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By Catherine Egwuom
Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, the Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment and Training, has urged the Medical Guild to sustain its free medical outreach.
Ayantayo made the call during the Medical Guild’s centenary celebration and medical outreach at Orile-Agege General Hospital, Lagos, on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event had the theme “Honouring our Past, Strengthening our Present, Building a Healthier Future”.
He commended the hospital’s management and staff for their dedication to providing healthcare services to low-income earners and residents from neighbouring Ogun communities.
“I will appreciate that what we have done today will be repeated every year, not only to mark the centenary, because our people still need this kind of support,” he said.
He said that doctors’ involvement in medical outreach would benefit more people through professional services, including surgeries, particularly those unable to afford healthcare.
Dr Shola Pitan, Permanent Secretary, Primary Healthcare, Health District 1, congratulated the Medical Guild’s executives and committees on its centenary celebration, urging them to sustain excellence in medical practice.
He emphasised the importance of teamwork, trust and mutual respect among healthcare professionals to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure quality services for communities.
“Everybody is important, and we cannot provide all the services required by our people in the community without all of us doing the work that we are all trained and employed to do,” he said.
Dr Wole Olusanya, Chairman, Medical Guild, said the centenary medical outreach was designed to give back to Lagos residents through free medical examinations, drugs and referrals.
He said that the outreach covered five divisions of Lagos, including Epe, Ikorodu, Orile-Agege, Lagos Island and Badagry, with free surgical services at general hospitals.
“The medical profession is a profession of sacrifice.
“To some vocation, only God can actually reward for the service we do to humanity,” he said.
Olusanya urged residents to prioritise annual medical check-ups and appealed to government to improve doctors’ salaries, remuneration and benefits to retain healthcare workers.
In his opening remark, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, Co-chairperson, Centenary Medical Outreach, said the Medical Guild was providing free medical services and surgeries to deserving community members as part of its centenary celebration.
He said the outreach had visited Epe and Ikorodu, with activities continuing in Orile-Agege, Lagos Island and Ibeju-Lekki, Iba town, alongside free surgeries at general hospitals.
“Please support doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists and other health workers. Say nice things to them and donate useful medical supplies to nearby health facilities,” he said.
In her welcome address, Dr Temitope Bakare, the Medical Director of Orile-Agege General Hospital, said that the Medical Guild’s centenary celebration marked 100 years of resilience, achievements and commitment to humanity.
She urged reflection on past achievements and future goals, stressing the need to sustain patient-centred healthcare for Lagos residents.
Also speaking, Mr Akinola Idowu, the Executive Chairman, Orile-Agege Local Government, represented by his vice, Mr Adewale Azeez, congratulated the Medical Guild on its centenary, commending its doctors, nurses and volunteers for supporting community healthcare.
He urged residents to prioritise their health and utilise the outreach, stressing that government, medical professionals and communities must collaborate to improve healthcare access.
The beneficiaries shared their health experiences and commended the Medical Guild for its service to humanity.
Mrs Modupe Omigbire, a beneficiary, expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying the programme had provided her with medical attention, advice and guidance on the next steps to take regarding her health.
She prayed for God’s continued blessings and prosperity for the organisers, commending them for their efforts in helping others.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Glory Adeyela, said the outreach had improved her health knowledge, adding that the doctor provided helpful explanations and medications.
“I was attended to by a calm doctor who explained how to improve my health. I pray God continues to bless the Medical Guild,” she said.
Mr Segun Arogunmaya, a retiree, expressed gratitude for the outreach, saying he had experienced difficulty reading due to eye problems and also suffered body pains.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings on the organisers, expressing appreciation for the medical services provided during the outreach.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
English (US) ·