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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Hundreds of residents of Okota in Lagos State recently benefited from a free medical outreach organised by the Voice of Hope Women Foundation in partnership with Mednoral Pharmaceutical Limited.
The outreach, held at 32 Dele Orisabiyi Street, provided free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, medical consultations, health education, counselling and medications to residents of the densely populated community.
Many beneficiaries, particularly from low-income households, were screened for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes for the first time, enabling early detection and treatment of illnesses that often remain undiagnosed until they become severe.
Speaking, the Convener of the Voice of Hope Women Foundation, Mrs. Uchenna Ofomata, said the initiative was designed to make healthcare accessible to all members of the community regardless of gender or age. She noted that while the foundation focuses largely on women’s empowerment, the medical outreach was open to men, women and children because healthcare is a fundamental right for everyone.
Ofomata expressed concern over the growing number of residents who postpone seeking medical attention until their health conditions become critical due to financial constraints. She urged community members to embrace routine health checks and early diagnosis as a way of preventing serious illnesses and reducing healthcare costs.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the foundation, Mrs. Ezeagu Ifeoma Bridget, linked the outreach to the organisation’s broader intervention programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable families facing economic hardship.
According to her, rising inflation and the increasing cost of living have forced many households to prioritise food and other basic needs over preventive healthcare, exposing them to greater health risks.
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Representing Mednoral Pharmaceutical Limited, Mrs. Edith Kalu said the company supported the initiative by donating drugs, medical supplies and professional expertise.
She stressed that quality healthcare should not be limited to a privileged few and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting community-based health interventions.
Beneficiaries commended the organisers for the initiative. One of them, Mrs. Nwachukwu Doris, said she had attended the programme for routine blood pressure and blood sugar checks but received additional medical attention and medications at no cost.
She described the outreach as a lifeline for families struggling to afford regular hospital visits.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Emeka Ihejirika, said the programme demonstrated that vulnerable Nigerians facing economic challenges had not been forgotten.
At the end of the outreach, medications were distributed to beneficiaries and follow-up counselling sessions were conducted.
Organisers expressed hope that similar partnerships between non-governmental organisations and private sector institutions would be replicated in other underserved communities across Lagos State and the country.
