The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has organised a two-day free medical and surgical outreach for about 1,500 indigent residents of Ijagbo and surrounding communities in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Fagbemi, speaking during the exercise, stressed the need to bring healthcare services closer to people at the grassroots, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.
He called for sustained investment in primary healthcare to improve access to quality medical services, noting that the initiative was designed to complement the Nigerian Government’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda.
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The minister said the large turnout at the outreach demonstrated the need for regular medical interventions in rural communities, stressing that such programmes should not be one-off events.
“I feel it is better to appreciate President Tinubu by ensuring that the little that we have, we also show the members of this community that the president has done a lot.
“But it is not too much to offer what we call widows mite. As people say, health is wealth,” he said.
Fagbemi disclosed that plans were underway to extend similar outreaches to other communities within the local government area before the end of the year.
He also urged stakeholders to support efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
On the migration of Nigerian health professionals abroad, popularly known as “japa”, Fagbemi said the development had both positive and negative implications.
He noted that the demand for Nigerian-trained doctors and other health professionals by foreign countries reflected the quality of their training and competence.
The minister, however, called for increased investment in the training and certification of health workers, adding that some Nigerian professionals who had gained experience abroad were returning to contribute to the country’s health sector.
Also speaking, a member of the Health Advisory Committee, Prof. Uthman Mubashir, said the outreach catered to residents of Ijagbo and neighbouring communities.
Mubashir, an expert in Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), said common conditions identified during the exercise included hypertension, diabetes, ulcer and musculoskeletal pains.
He added that beneficiaries were screened for hepatitis, HIV, malaria and pulmonary tuberculosis.
“The screening is to ensure that people know their status. There is also Rapid Diagnostic Test for Malaria and also screening for pulmonary tuberculosis,” he said.
According to him, cases of hernia, hydrocele and lumps were also detected for possible surgical intervention.
The Chairman of the Ijagbo Community Health Committee, Dr Wale Adeoti, appreciated the minister for the intervention and urged beneficiaries to adhere to medical advice and prescriptions from healthcare professionals.
He said beneficiaries received health education and promotion, vital-sign checks, medical consultations, laboratory investigations and pharmacy services.
The Onijagbo of Ijagbo, Oba Sharafadeen Babalola, also commended Fagbemi for the initiative, describing it as evidence of the importance attached to the health and wellbeing of the people.
Two beneficiaries, Mr Samuel Kolo and Madam Jumoke Adeoti, thanked the organisers, saying they received free consultations, medicines, food and drinks during the exercise.
 and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has organised a two-day free medical and surgical outreach for about 1,500 indigent residents of Ijagbo and surrounding communities in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.){kind=link}