By Johnson Adebowale

Dr. (Mrs.) Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, chairman of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, has urged leaders at all levels to address the escalating costs of healthcare, which she says are leading to preventable deaths and widespread suffering across the nation. Her call came during the opening ceremony of the 40th free medical mission organized by the foundation at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Deken, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Dr. Lulu-Briggs, whose foundation has been a beacon of hope for underserved communities in the Niger Delta since 2005, expressed concern over the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s healthcare system. The foundation, which has provided free medical care to over 152,000 people in rural and peri-urban areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states, continues to fill a critical gap in healthcare access.

Speaking at the event, Lulu-Briggs highlighted the urgent need for government’s intervention to reduce the high cost of healthcare, especially considering the current economic climate. She said: “These are not the best of times for Nigerians. It is heartbreaking to see that many people can no longer afford basic healthcare, leading to unnecessary suffering and death from treatable conditions.”

The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s free medical missions, which have become a lifeline for many, were originally intended to complement government efforts. However, Lulu-Briggs lamented that the need for these missions has only grown over the years due to the lack of robust healthcare infrastructure.

“We had hoped that by now, our health systems would be more resilient, with vibrant primary and tertiary healthcare available across all local government areas. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved, and the demand for our services continues to rise,” she remarked.

She pointed out the grim reality that many communities, including Gokana LGA, lack even basic healthcare facilities. She explained: “At the end of each five-day mission, we attend to an average of 4,000 patients and perform around 100 surgeries. Yet, there are still thousands more who need care, including surgeries, but we have no functioning hospitals to refer them to.”

She expressed deep concern for the countless Nigerians who suffer due to the absence of nearby medical facilities. She painted a poignant picture of the challenges faced by those in remote areas, from pregnant women with complications to victims of road accidents and injured children, all without access to emergency care.

Reflecting on the successes of the foundation’s medical missions, Lulu-Briggs attributed them to strong partnerships with local leaders and healthcare providers. She expressed gratitude to the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Gokana local government area, Hon. Kenneth Kpedem, the paramount ruler of Deken community, Mene Tombari Gbeanwe, the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, and the team of dedicated volunteers who made the 40th mission a success.

In their remarks, Gbeanwe and a representative of Dr. Kinikanwo Green, executive secretary of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, commended the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation for its unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access for the underprivileged. They pledged their continued support for the foundation’s efforts.

The free medical mission, now in its 19th year, remains the flagship programme of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, offering a wide range of services, including general surgeries, pediatric care, dental and vision care, malaria testing and treatment, HIV/AIDS screening, physiotherapy and an onsite pharmacy and laboratory. These missions underscore the foundation’s dedication to making healthcare accessible to those who need it most.

As the nation grapples with the challenges of healthcare access, Lulu-Briggs’s call for action serves as a powerful reminder that more needs to be done to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their location or financial status, can receive the medical care they deserve.