The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, again offered free medical checkups, medications and counselling to over 1,000 residents in Ayetoro and Orile Saala communities in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The medical outreach featured a range of services, including checkups, and treatment for malaria, hypertension, and diabetes, among others for adults, while children were equally attended to.
Salako who spoke through his Special Assistant, Wale Junaid, at the programme held at United Primary School, Ayetoro and Orile Saala community respectively, on Saturday, said the essence of the medical outreach was to improve the wellness of residents.
He noted that early detection of diseases would prevent untimely loss of lives, especially among people in rural areas.
The minister said the medical mission was organized in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
“The Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, is concerned about the general well-being of Nigerians, and this medical outreach is one of the moves to ensure that people know their health status.
“Many people are living with minor health challenges that might lead to major issues if they are not accessed at the right time. This kind of programme, no doubt, lets many understand their health status.
“This is not the first time the Minister will be doing this for the people. The same medical mission was carried out in the local government last year in December because a stitch in time saved nine.
“You can see the premium Mr President placed on Health, especially for those in the rural areas. Going for regular checkups will automatically reduce mortality,” the Minister’s aide said.
He said there are plans to take the outreach to other plans of the state for more residents to benefit from the gesture.
The leader of the medical team, Dr Olayinka Saka Afeez, also emphasised the importance of periodic checkups, saying many people overlook the need to check themselves up medically.
He said, “Many people tend to overlook regular checkups. Many people will notice symptoms but will not visit hospitals for examination(s). Many things could be happening within their body system without symptoms until it becomes a serious matter.
“This kind of exercise, especially in a rural setting like this will go a long way in assisting people to check their body mechanism, get treated and counselled, while some get referred for further treatment.
“We have different illnesses that could be discovered during this kind of exercise, like high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis among others.”
One of the beneficiaries, Oluwabosede Aremu, appreciated the Minister for bringing such a noble initiative to Saala Orile for the people of the community to be a part of.
Another beneficiary, Mary Akinlolu, equally thanked the facilitator for the gesture, submitting that such an exercise would go a long way in helping them to understand their health status.
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