Former federal lawmaker and founder of the Pellercare Foundation, Hon. Shina Peller, has launched the Pellercare 360 Community Impact Tour, a grassroots healthcare initiative aimed at providing free medical services to residents across Oyo North Senatorial District.
The initiative was launched on Friday at Aseyin Ojude Oba Market Square in Iseyin, Oyo State, under the theme “Alaafia De Ile Wa.”
The outreach attracted residents from Iseyin and neighbouring communities, who received free medical consultations, diagnostic screenings, treatments and prescribed medications.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Peller, who is the APM Senatorial candidate for Oyo North, said leadership should prioritise the welfare of the people rather than focus solely on seeking political mandates.
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“Before we ask for their votes, we must ask and care about their health,” Peller stated, stressing that accessible healthcare was a fundamental human right and should not be reserved for the privileged.
He said he was pleased to see mothers, elderly people, and children receive medical attention without the burden of paying for treatment.
Peller added that the “Alaafia De Ile Wa” initiative reflected his commitment to promoting better health and improving the welfare of residents across the 13 local government areas of Oyo North.
The full-day outreach was organised around four clinical sections: the Women’s Health Pavilion, the Men’s Health Corner, the Elders Honour Clinic and the Child Health Festival.
Beneficiaries received diagnostic screenings, consultations and minor medical procedures, while prescribed medications were provided free of charge.
The Central and Coordinating Doctor for Pellercare 360, Dr. Williams Edet, commended the organisation of the programme and the turnout of residents.
Edet said a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists deployed diagnostic equipment to attend to patients with various health concerns.
He said the services included hypertension and diabetes screenings, cardiovascular assessments for men, and maternal health, fertility and breast examinations for women.
According to him, senior citizens received specialised geriatric consultations, while children benefited from paediatric interventions and deworming.
He added that referral arrangements were made for patients who required continued medical care.
The programme also received positive feedback from beneficiaries.
A 72-year-old beneficiary, Pa Rasheed Adewole, said the cost of regular hospital visits and prescribed medications was a financial burden at his age.
He commended the medical team for checking his vital signs, providing his medications free of charge and treating him with respect.
Similarly, Mrs. Adijat Salim, 38, who received care at the Women’s Health Pavilion, praised the female medical personnel for their patience and thoroughness during her breast examination and maternal health counselling.
She said receiving the services without paying had eased the financial burden on her household.
A 45-year-old trader, Mr. Taiwo Ogundele, said the screening revealed that his blood pressure was dangerously high, stating that the medical team provided immediate medication and dietary guidance, adding that the intervention had helped him identify the condition before it developed into a more serious health problem.
Mrs. Comfort Adewale, a 29-year-old mother of two, also praised the paediatric services provided at the Child Health Festival. She commended the doctors for creating a welcoming environment and giving children adequate attention.
Following the launch in Iseyin, the Pellercare 360 Community Impact Tour is scheduled to move to Ogbomoso Town Hall in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area for another full-day medical outreach.
Organisers said the initiative formed part of Peller’s long-term health policy agenda to improve grassroots healthcare delivery across Oyo North Senatorial District.
They added that the programme was designed to expand access to medical services and support community development through improved public health.
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