The high need for primary health care services, particularly in rural communities across the country was very pronounced at the flag off of a two day free medical outreach at Osubi, Okpe local government area of Delta State.
Day One of the free medical program, organized by Jesu Marie Empowerment Foundation, JMEF, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Osubi District 9141 and Rotaract Club of Osubi Community Base, saw the registration of over five hundred patients.
The people, including the young, middle aged and elderly, besieged the Osubi Communty Town Hall, venue of the program with various kinds of complaints, while a good number of them took advantage of the exercise for general check up to ascertain the state of their health.
Although the initial plan for the program was cervical and prostate cancer screening, testing and possible treatments for those with early signs of abnormality, the organizers said the need to widen the scope to cover other areas of health concerns became inevitable.
Such areas include HIV, malaria, typhoid, blood pressure, anaemia, and tests for blood and sugar levels as well as eyes checks.
Samples were collected and taken to laboratory for examinations, even as some were diagnosed and attended to almost immediately.
The pharmaceutical section of the segmented medical exercise was also filled with drugs that were given to some of the patients free of charge.
The medical team who were drawn from within and outside Delta State made concerted efforts to ensure that each intending patient was attended to, while some officials of the Rotary Club of Osubi were also on ground to ensure a hitch free exercise.
The President, Jesu Marie Empowerment Foundation, Dr (Mrs) Rukevwe Ugwumba, said focus is on primary prevention which is far cheaper in addressing the medical and health needs of the people.
Dr Ugwumba, a Canada based physician and one time Special Adviser to former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, said government can not do it alone, hence the need for corporate bodies, other non-governmental organizations and well meaning individuals to invest in the health sector.
Noting that so many people are dying out of ignorance, Dr Ugwumba stressed that the price of a life is too costly, and promised sustained commitment of Jesu Marie Empowerment Foundation in enhancing the well being of Nigerians, particularly Deltans as according to her “Charity Begins at Home”.
The President, Rotary Club of Osubi District 9141, Rtn Ighodalo Akpasubi and a past President of the club, Comrade Kiede Oisemaye, said the free medical outreach was all encompassing as it also includes treatment and
health talk.
They said Rotary cares about the challenges of people and all its activities are centered on services to God and huumanity, stressing that heaven rejoices whenever a soul is saved.
Rtn Akpasubi and Comrade Oisemaye paid glowing tributes to Jesu Marie Empowerment Foundation for partnering with Rotary for the free medical outreach, saying that the collaboration has enabled the club to reach out to unprecedented number of people with medical needs.
Some of the beneficiaries could not hide their joy as they expressed appreciation to the sponsors and organizers of the health program.
The exercise continues on Saturday as samples sent out for laboratory tests are expected to be diagnosed and prescriptions given by the medical experts.