We are overwhelmed… beneficiaries
Precious Oham
No fewer than 1,000 persons have so far benefitted from the ongoing free medical outreach sponsored by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District which started today in Iyin and Efon Ekiti.
The outreach which is organized by the Senate Leader through Golden Castle Integrated Global Resources is targeted for constituents in the five LGAs of Ekiti Central Senatorial District which are, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ado, Ijero, Ekiti West and Efon.
While flagging off the outreach at Iyin-Ekiti and Efon Alaaye, on Monday, the Senate Leader, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Gbenga Banji, said the free medical outreach was aimed at improving the well-being of people, especially the vulnerable members of the society.
The Senate Leader, who decried that residents of the constituency cannot afford medical care disclosed that the outreach is part of his efforts to provide the dividends of democracy.
His words: “There are lot’s of people within the constituency that cannot afford medical treatment and that is why we have cases of illness and sudden deaths. He is bringing this medical outreach closer to his constituents and wants them to have the dividends of democracy.”
According to the Manager of Golden Castle Integrated Global Resources, Stella Efeoghene, the outreach includes; general consultations, distribution of free eye glasses, deworming of children, free scan and consulting for pregnant women, free dental/eye check up, free BP and blood sugar check, hepatitis screening, free drugs, health talks and interactive session etc.
Her words: “We all know the economic situation today. Health care, medication and drugs are among the most expensive items that you can buy. And you know that the purchasing power of most people, particularly in the interior like this has been affected adversely.
“They are more adversely affected in terms of purchasing power so making all of these things available to them is a huge plus and will be a huge relief.
“We know that we cannot touch all lives but we are starting from here. And the good thing is that we are going to reach the entire Ekiti central senatorial district.
“Cases that cannot be attended to; They will be attended to in the fact that they will get consultation. They will also get referrals to places where they can get adequate medical attention that they require.”
On his part, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Ekiti State Chapter, Dr. Oreyemi Ifedayo, said that the initiative by the Senate Leader will go a long way to improve the healthcare of the constituents.
According to him, “It’s a wonderful one. It is always a good thing to give back to the society where you come from, considering the fact that the societal realities and out of pocket expenditure and health now is alarming. Many people cannot even afford to visit hospitals for regular medical check ups or even emergency treatment.
“So, bringing something like this to the doorstep of the people is a right way and a right action, the right step to be taken by any logical and sensible politician or political office holder. And our own Senator stands tall amongst all of them.”
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke after the outreach hailed Senator Bamidele for the kind gesture saying that a lot of people in the community will benefit from the program.
According to High Chief Ayodeji Esan, the Odofinyin of Iyin-Ekiti, the move by the Senate Leader will give the constituents the opportunity to know their health status and what to do with their health.