The Association of Rural Surgical Practitioners of Nigeria (ARSPON), through its free medical outreach, has said that it is targeting 100,000 indigent Nigerians for free surgical operations on various ailments in the next few years.
The National President of the association, Associate Professor Oyebola Adekola, gave the hint while speaking with journalists at this year’s Annual General Meeting and scientific conference of the association featuring a surgical workshop, free hernias, and lump surgeries with the theme ‘Safety & Quality Assurance in Rural Surgical Practice’, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
While reiterating the association’s commitment to community service, Adekola said, “We annually conduct over 5,000 surgeries free of charge, ensuring standard surgical and anaesthesia care, thus significantly contributing to our immigrant communities and Nigeria at large.
“With a track record of conducting over 30,000 surgeries in the past five years, ARSPON aims to double its efforts in the next five years, potentially reaching 60,000 to 100,000 patients, depending on available resources.”
She further stressed the organisation’s commitment to mentoring practitioners and monitoring members to uphold quality standards and eradicate quackery within the profession.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for this year’s conference, Dr Olayide Majeed Oladipupo, who is also the proprietor of LAD Medical Centre, the venue of the AGM/Conference, expressed gratitude for the successful completion of 24 surgeries on the first day of the programme.
He said, “We are providing surgeries for adults and children across various categories, all free of charge; all that is required of the beneficiaries is to be indigenes of that particular community.”
Also speaking, Dr Lanre Shoyinka, while sharing information on the financial strength behind ARSPON’s initiatives, said, “Our finances primarily come from our members and goodwill gestures from Nigerians. We seek additional support from the government at all levels, although some state governments are already partnering with us by providing accommodation and other forms of assistance. Despite that, we still ask for more so that we can reach out to as many indigent Nigerians as possible.”
One beneficiary, Mrs Adeola, expressed her appreciation, saying, “I am thankful to ARSPON for providing me with the opportunity to undergo surgery without worrying about the financial burden. Their generosity goes a long way in my life.”
Another beneficiary, Mr Ibrahim, said: “As a rural resident with limited access to healthcare, I am incredibly grateful to ARSPON for offering free surgeries. They have restored my health and given me hope to live a better and more productive life.”
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