The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has launched a free medical mission for Ekiti State residents.
Bamidele, the Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said the move was to combat premature death due to treatable diseases and bolster the life expectancy of his constituents.
The federal lawmaker spoke during the official flag-off of the weeklong programme, organised in partnership with the Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in his Iyin-Ekiti country home.
Senator Bamidele, in a chat with journalists at the event that attracted a large crowd of constituents, explained that the free medical intervention was strategic in helping his constituents understand their health status and offering complimentary treatments for those diagnosed with hidden ailments.
Represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Gbenga Banji, the Senate leader, stressed that the initiative aimed to improve the life expectancy of the populace and bring the dividends of democracy closer to the people, regardless of age and status.
He disclosed that the intervention would cover all five local governments in his constituency and offer free medical services for diagnosing and treating ailments such as hypertension, blood sugar tests, hepatitis, antenatal treatment, free eyeglasses, and family planning counselling.
He said: “Senator Bamidele has passed through various stages of life and understands the importance of giving back to the community. Many people in this district cannot afford medical treatment, leading to undiagnosed illnesses and, in some cases, sudden deaths.
“This outreach aims to bring healthcare services directly to the grassroots so the people can enjoy the benefits of democracy. We target as many people as possible across the five local government areas in the Senatorial district.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State branch, Dr Oreyemi Ifedayo, commended the lawmaker for the initiative, noting that it would help people who are often burdened by out-of-pocket healthcare expenses access free medical care.
“We have specialists available to attend to various medical conditions. This initiative is a wonderful gesture, particularly when healthcare costs are high, and many people cannot afford to visit hospitals.
The Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaye, applauded the medical initiative and commended Senator Bamidele for launching the outreach in his hometown, describing it as a fitting initiative.
