The Chairman, Isolo Local Council Development Area, Mr Adebayo Olasoju, has urged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles as the council organized 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.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach included free screening for prostate cancer, eye defects, HIV, diabetes, malaria and hypertension.
Others were dental care, distribution of free eyeglasses, free Ilera-Eko enrolment, consultations, diagnosis and free drugs for residents.
NAN further reports that the free medical outreach has been a regular council activity for years and is held three times annually.
Olasoju said the programme formed part of the council’s health mission, adding that he was pleased residents came out in large numbers to attend to their health needs.
He described the outreach as a total package, comprising consultations, screening, 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 said.
He said many people died from high blood pressure and diabetes, stressing that residents should make their health a priority.
Olasoju said the council would continue to ensure functional health facilities and establish a designated clinic for elderly residents.
“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 said.
The council chairman advised residents to take advantage of the outreach, urging them not to allow the council’s benevolence to go to waste.
He said his administration would continue to cater for the well-being of residents through improved healthcare and environmental sanitation.
According to him, the council, through its Environmental Health Officers, ensures that residents maintain a healthy environment.
Olasoju added that non-governmental agencies constantly supervised the activities of the council and had always found it to be performing well.
Also speaking, Mr Yusuf Oni, the Leader of the House, encouraged residents to take their health seriously and benefit from the outreach.
Oni said periodic health checks organized by the council reduced frequent hospital visits by residents, thereby helping them save money.
The Medical Officer of Health, Dr Anne Okonma said the programme was part of the council’s blueprint to ensure a healthy, wealthy and productive Isolo community.
(The Medical Officer of Health, Dr Anne Okonma addressing residents at the medical outreach on Thursday in Isolo LCDA, Lagos )
Okonma said the programme would continue to sensitize residents on the importance of patronizing Primary Healthcare Centres.
“This programme is of great benefit to everybody, especially the vulnerable who may not have access to good healthcare,” she said.
She said the council received feedback from residents, which helped it make informed decisions concerning their health needs.
Okonma said residents were also reminded that they could access quality healthcare services at the PHCs.
“Every time we call our people, they always come because they know we do not joke with their health,” she said.
She said the council ensured follow-up care for residents requiring treatment at primary, secondary or tertiary health facilities.
Okonma added that the council had paid for surgeries for some residents referred for medical procedures.
Some beneficiaries commended the council chairman for his consistent efforts toward improving the well-being of residents.
Mrs Halimot Balogun, a resident, said she had benefited from the council’s free medical checks for years.
Balogun said she was screened and given sufficient drugs, including medication for high blood pressure.
Mrs Sakinat Adeniran, a trader, said she was tested for high blood pressure, malaria and eye conditions, and appreciated the chairman’s efforts.
“I didn’t expect the turnout and the way they attended to me. I am grateful and appreciate their efforts,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Jimoh Babalola, commended the council for creating awareness about the outreach.
Babalola said he attended the programme specifically for eye screening.
Miss Zainab Baruwa, a student, said she attended the outreach for teeth whitening and eye care.
Baruwa urged the chairman to sustain the initiative and encouraged less concerned residents to embrace the opportunity provided by the council. (NAN).
