Massive turnout as Olasoju flags off free healthcare for elders
By Abolaji Adebayo
About 900 elderly people in Isolo stormed the maiden edition of “Free Medical Care for the Elderly” programme, organised by the Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Otunba Adebayo Olasoju.
The programme, held at Isolo City Hall, opposite Osolo Palace, Akinbaye Isolo, is targeted at the elderly ones of age 60 years and above.
They were to be tested of non-communicable diseases such as dental and eye, breast, cervical and prostate cancer, diabetes, hepatitis and hypertension and offered medical consultation and free drugs.
The programme, held on Thursday, was declared open by the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka.
The monarch advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the programme, telling them to follow instructions and use the drugs given to them as prescribed.
He commended the council Chairman for putting up such programme, saying Isolo has not got such benefit from the previous council administration.
He, however, told Olasoju to make it a continuous exercise while extending the gesture to other categories of people in the community.
In his speech, Olasoju said the programme is a fulfilment of one of his campaign promises for the elders.
He added that his administration has determined to replicate what the state government is doing in the health sector at the local level, hence the commencement of the programme.
He explained that it would be a monthly exercise where the elderly ones would have the opportunity and access to free medical checkup and free medication.
According to him, the elderly ones are targeted to make them live longer as many of them are being deserted by their family members, noting that many of them could not afford the cost of while they lack the ability to work for money.
Olasoju told the journalists that he targeted 1,000 elderly people for the maiden edition, noting that about 862 had already registered as at the time the programme commenced in the morning.
Olasoju said those whose cases are critical would be refered to the general hospital for total treatment, saying the council has also promised to support them financial to foot their bills.
He appreciated the pharmaceutical companies that supported his government with free medicine while commending the doctors who volunteered to make up the job.
The Medical Officer of Health (MOH), Isolo LCDA, Dr. Baqiah Nojimudeen-Yesufu, disclosed that ten Doctors – six medical doctors, two eye doctors and two dental doctors were on ground to attend to the patients.
She said since it was a day programme, they might not be able to attend to all but said others may visit the primary health centres in their communities.
She added that there would be continuation since the programme has been scheduled to be held monthly.
Some of the would be beneficiaries who were at the flag off ceremony commended the council chairman, saying it was a rate opportunity for them.
They promised to follow instructions given to them by the doctors
