By Oluwatope Lawanson
Rep. James Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, has provided free medical services for over 1,850 women and elderly conducted by experienced medical personnel.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day medical outreach which started on October 25 to October 27 was held at Onigbongbo, Ikeja and Ojodu respectively.
The outreach offered a wide range of healthcare services such as medical counselling, dental care (cleaning, whitening, and extraction).
Others include diagnostic tests for malaria, typhoid, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hepatitis, eye, ear, nose, and throat examinations among others.
Speaking at the programme, Faleke said the outreach was designed to bring healthcare services closer to the community at no cost.
Faleke was represented by Mr Banji Ademola, his Public Relations Officer.
“As a representative of the people, it is my duty to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare,” he said.
He added that the outreach would afford the beneficaries the opportunity to know their health status at no cost.
“We are committed to providing quality healthcare services to the people without any financial burden,” he said.
He, therefore, implored the residents to avoid self meditation, and take advantage of such opportunities to check their medical status and well-being.
NAN reports that community leaders and beneficiaries praised Faleke’s selfless service, describing the outreach as “testament to his commitment to the people.”
The Alaguda of Aguda Ogba, Oba Hakeem Agbaosi (Eweobaja 1), commended Faleke for the kind gesture and commitment to the people of Ikeja Federal Constituency.
He prayed that God would continue to bless and use him as a tool to bring hope and succour to the people.
“As Faleke continues to champion healthcare initiatives in Ikeja Constituency, l urge other leaders and lawmakers to prioritise the well-being of their constituents,” he said.
Alhaja Olusola Kokumo, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress Ojodu Local Council Development Area, described Faleke’s gesture as commendable.
“He has been doing this even before he got elected, he keeps assisting members of this constituency through various empowerment programme, skill acquisitions, awarding scholarships and grants among others,” she said.
On her part, Mrs Funmiade Bank-Anthony, the coordinator of the programme, said the medical outreach was part of Faleke’s ongoing efforts to address the healthcare needs of his constituency.
“His initiatives have previously focused on improving healthcare infrastructure, providing medical equipment, empowerment programmes and supporting vulnerable groups.
“The three-day medical outreach began on Friday at Onigbongbo, we moved to Ikeja and we are now in Ojodu attending to the medical needs of the residents of Ikeja constituency.
“We planned to reach out to 1,500 residents from the three communities irrespective of tribe, religion or economic status but we have exceeded the number.
“Over 1,850 residents have benefited from the initiative.
“A lot of people with one underlying ailment or the other are dying in silence because they can’t afford the exorbitant hospital bills.
“This is an opportunity for them to get medical examination and drugs at no cost.
“However, ailments that cannot be treated during the exercise would be referred to the government hospitals,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries from Ikeja, Mrs Mulikatu Ilo, appreciated the regular empowerment programmes and medical outreach initiatives conducted by Faleke in the constituency.
She urged Faleke to increase the frequency of the outreach by covering more communities so as to increase beneficiaries.
Alhaji Titiloye Ojo from Ojodu LCDA, who also benefitted from the outreach, told NAN that he would continue to pray for Faleke for his kind gesture over the years.
”Faleke has impacted so much in the people.
“He has undertaken so many empowerment programmes and l know he will still do more.
“I pray that God continues to keep him in good health. He is a good and compassionate man,” he said.
Similarly, a beneficiary, Mr Kazeem Iyanda, told NAN that Faleke’s free medical outreach was a testament to his commitment to healthcare and community development.
“By providing essential medical services to the people especially the aged, he is helping to promote well-being.
“May God bless and direct path always,” he said. NAN