… unveils Colposcope to detect cervical cancer

No fewer than 300 residents especially the vulnerable in Ogun State benefited from the free medical surgery programme facilitated by the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, yesterday.

The initiative organized by the AJOSE Foundation of Mrs Abiodun and some doctors based in United States, was part of efforts by the state government to cater for the health of elderly people and those who cannot afford medical bills of serious illnesses particularly the less privileged.

Speaking at the event, The First Lady said that the initiative was to help people diagnosed with serious disease but could not have the financial power to treat their illnesses, saying that the Abiodun led government would not relent in its efforts to cater for the health of the needy.

Mrs Abiodun who said that her foundation is looking beyond the 300 beneficiaries and hoping to cater for more people having health challenges in the future, stressed that the healthcare of the people matters and won’t hesitate to render medical assistance.

She said “Without good health, you really can’t function. Health is wealth. You may see people looking healthy, but the moment they’re diagnosed with a serious illness, their entire lives can change.

“It affects them physically, emotionally, and financially. There are many people who simply cannot afford treatment. At the same time, many of these illnesses are preventable. So, these are the reasons why medical interventions like this are quite useful and helpful.”

“The free surgery programme started yesterday, and we’ve had people coming in steadily, and about 26 people have been attended to, and there are others waiting to also be attended. About 300 people registered, and we’re hoping to attend even more people.”

“The doctors are working in about nine operating theatres, we’re trying to complete the procedures as quickly as possible”.

Mrs Abiodun commended the US-based medical team for partnering with her foundation to make positive impact on the society, while admonishing well-meaning individuals in the state to emulate the same gesture by extending support to the underprivileged.

“Some of the things we’re doing to help them don’t cost us much, nor do they take anything away from us. Many of us have more than we need, while there are people who don’t even have the basics.”

“For me, it’s about giving back. I believe we should teach our children from an early age to give back to those who are less privileged, those who we know are in need in the society,”.

A member of the US medical team, Dr. Bimpe Adenusi stated that the free medical surgeries covers diseases including breast lumps, fibroids, knee and hip replacements, thyroidectomies, among others.

Adenusi divulged that the medical team also included an orthopaedic surgeon who carryout surgeries to correct a wide range of musculoskeletal deformities.

She said, “We thank the First Lady and all our supporters. Without their support, and without the cooperation of the government, this mission would not be possible.

“This year is also the first time we have an orthopaedic surgeon as part of the medical mission. The programme continues to expand every year with additional specialists.”

“Yesterday, we treated patients with deformities, including children with bow legs. One of the first beneficiaries was a five-year-old child who received corrective surgery free of charge.”

“An orthopaedic surgeon in Lagos once told me that procedures like knee replacement can cost close to ₦18 million. Through this initiative, however, these life-changing surgeries are being provided free for eligible beneficiaries.”

“This is the first year we’re carrying out major orthopaedic procedures like knee replacement and hip replacement. These are quite expensive procedures, but the First Lady insisted that deserving patients should receive the care they need. We’re grateful for the support, and we’re happy that we’re able to help more people.”

As part of the event, the First Lady inaugurated a Colposcope at the hospital, a medical facility capable of early detection and diagnosis of cervical cancer.

While explaining the importance of Colposcope, Adenusi said that the facility would play a vital role in improving cervical cancer screening by enabling detailed examination of the cervix and the collection of tissue samples for laboratory analysis where abnormal findings are observed.

She noted that the best way to prevent cervical cancer was early detection, urging people to come for screening.

“The message of the governor’s wife, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun is prevention, prevention, prevention. Prevention is far less expensive than treating advanced disease.”

“Last year, we introduced gastrointestinal screening for colon cancer. This year, our focus is on cervical cancer screening to ensure women have access to early diagnosis and treatment,” Adenusi notes.