The wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, on Tuesday inaugurated a colposcope machine for the detection and early treatment of cervical cancer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.
Mrs. Abiodun, through her pet project, the Ajose Foundation, in collaboration with a team of medical experts from Philadelphia, United States, also commenced free surgeries for about 300 indigent residents of Sagamu and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the event, the governor’s wife urged women to seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes in their health, stressing that early diagnosis remains key to successful treatment.
She said the newly installed multi-million-naira colposcope machine would improve the early detection of cervical cancer and enhance treatment outcomes.
According to her, the free medical outreach was targeted at residents who could not afford surgical treatment, adding that about 300 people registered for the programme.
Mrs. Abiodun disclosed that surgeries were being conducted simultaneously in nine operating theatres at OOUTH to ensure timely and quality care.
“Without good health, you really can’t function. Health is wealth. You may see people looking healthy, but the moment they’re diagnosed with a serious illness, their entire lives can change.
“It affects them physically, emotionally, and financially. There are many people who simply cannot afford treatment. At the same time, many of these illnesses are preventable. So, these are the reasons why medical interventions like this are quite useful and helpful.
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“The free surgery programme started yesterday, and we’ve had people coming in steadily, and about 26 people have been attended to, and there are others waiting to also be attended. About 300 people registered, and we’re hoping to attend even more people.
“The doctors are working in about nine operating theatres, we’re trying to complete the procedures as quickly as possible,” she said.
Mrs. Abiodun noted that supporting vulnerable people requires compassion, adding that greater public awareness, early diagnosis and timely medical intervention could prevent many illnesses.
A member of the visiting medical team, Dr. Bimpe Adenusi, encouraged women to undergo regular cervical cancer screening to reduce preventable deaths.
She explained that affordable preliminary screening could detect abnormal cells early, allowing for biopsy, laboratory analysis and treatment before the disease progresses.
Adenusi said the outreach includes free thyroidectomy, breast lump removal, hernia repair and myomectomy, with about 15 fibroid surgeries scheduled.
She disclosed that 26 surgeries, including six thyroid procedures, were successfully carried out on the first day of the programme.
According to her, the outreach has expanded this year with the inclusion of orthopaedic specialists who performed corrective surgeries for children with bow legs and other deformities.
She revealed that a five-year-old child underwent successful corrective surgery on both legs during the exercise.
Adenusi attributed the success of the programme to the support of the Ogun State Government, donors and development partners, reaffirming the organisers’ commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare for vulnerable residents.
The Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, Dr. Olubunmi Fatungase, commended Mrs. Abiodun and the Philadelphia medical team for the intervention, describing it as a significant contribution to healthcare delivery in Ogun State.
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