Lagos: The Chairman, Isolo Local Council Development Area, Mr Adebayo Olasoju, has urged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles as the council organised free medical health checks and treatment. The outreach, tagged ‘Mega Health Mission for the Residents’, was held on Thursday at the council secretariat in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the outreach included free screening for prostate cancer, eye defects, HIV, diabetes, malaria, and hypertension. Other services provided were dental care, distribution of free eyeglasses, free Ilera-Eko enrolment, consultations, diagnosis, and free drugs for residents. This free medical outreach has been a regular council activity for years and is held three times annually.
Olasoju stated that the programme formed part of the council’s health mission and expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of residents attending to their health needs. He described the outreach as a comprehensive package, encompassing consultations, screenings, diagnosis, and free medication. “Health is life; this is why we are trying to protect lives and ensure that our people, both young and old, are well taken care of,” he emphasized.
He highlighted the alarming rate of fatalities from high blood pressure and diabetes, urging residents to prioritize their health. Olasoju announced plans to establish a designated clinic for elderly residents, ensuring continuous care for their health. “The council is opening a clinic for the elderly. We have been caring for the elderly in the past, but we are going to have a designated facility for them,” he added.
The council chairman encouraged residents to take advantage of the outreach, stressing the importance of utilizing the council’s benevolence. He assured that his administration would continue to improve healthcare and environmental sanitation for the well-being of residents. Olasoju mentioned that the council’s Environmental Health Officers work to maintain a healthy environment, with supervision from non-governmental agencies confirming the council’s effective performance.
Mr Yusuf Oni, the Leader of the House, echoed the need for residents to take their health seriously and benefit from the outreach. He noted that periodic health checks organized by the council help reduce frequent hospital visits, thus saving residents money.
The Medical Officer of Health, Dr Anne Okonma, explained that the programme is part of the council’s blueprint to ensure a healthy, wealthy, and productive Isolo community. She emphasized the importance of sensitizing residents on the benefits of patronizing Primary Healthcare Centres and shared that feedback from residents aids in making informed decisions regarding their health needs.
Dr Okonma reassured residents of access to quality healthcare services at PHCs and noted the council’s commitment to follow-up care for those needing further treatment. The council has even covered surgical costs for certain residents referred for medical procedures.
Beneficiaries of the outreach praised the council chairman for his consistent efforts toward enhancing their well-being. Mrs Halimot Balogun mentioned benefiting from the free medical checks over the years and receiving necessary medication for high blood pressure. Trader Mrs Sakinat Adeniran appreciated the council’s efforts after being tested for various health conditions. Mr Jimoh Babalola commended the council for raising awareness, while Miss Zainab Baruwa, a student, encouraged other residents to embrace the opportunities provided by the council.