No fewer than 2,000 residents of Ijebuland and other towns in Ogun State have benefitted from the 2023 three-day free medical outreach sponsored by a non-governmental organisation, Ijebu Boys Association popularly known as IJBOYS.
The annual medical outreach, which was the fourth edition, was held from June 8 to 10, 2023, at the Millennium Hall of the Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Itoro, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and it attracted patients from Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Igbo, Ago-Iwoye, Ososa, Odogbolu, as well as other towns in Ijebuland and Abeokuta.
The programme covered free treatment of patients for general ailments as malaria, tuberculosis, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and optical services, as patients were given free glasses.
Treatment of patients at the programme commenced last Thursday with medical examination of patients for various diseases, the results of which were released within few minutes and which determined the type of treatment for patients.
Apart from treatment of patients, attendees were enlightened on how to take care of themselves and what they need to do to live a healthy lifestyles, just as those whose cases required further treatment were referred to appropriate medical facilities that partnered the association’s project, and where they would be given consideration in charges for further treatment.
At the event, there was also the presentation of wheel chairs and other mobility aids to some patients that were identified as those in critical need of the aids.
The opening ceremony of the medical outreach was attended by the co-Founder of the EKO Hospital, Dr. Sunny Kuku, and a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly from 1979 to1983, Professor Bankole Okuwa, who were both special guests of honour, while the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Razak Adenugba, was the Royal Father of the day.
In his welcome address, the President of IJBOYS, Mr. Olagbuyi Oduniyi, said the programme was initiated as a way of giving back to the society.
Oduniyi said the association was inspired to embark on medical outreach by the unexpected death of one of their colleagues in Ijebu Ode.
He said it was a fact that many of the patients that attended the event could not afford the cost of treatment of common ailments, adding that the people were not just treated, but were given drugs and advice, while those that would be referred for further treatment would get a good discount in hospitals that are partnering the association.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Special Guests of Honour, Dr. Sunny Kuku and Professor Bankole Okuwa, lauded the efforts of members of the association in organising the outreach, which is beneficial to many people.
They advised other socio-cultural organisations in the area to emulate the Ijebu Boys Association, stating that the activities of members of the club in ensuring the wellness of the people are things needed to make the society better.
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