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By Lateef Dada, Osogbo
A faith-based group has raised the alarm over the quality of medical care that is accessible to Nigerians.
The group, Daaru-r-Rahmat (DARMAT), a Muslim religious organization, which has been providing free weekly health check-ups and drug support to residents raised concerns over the rising cost of drugs and the increasing scarcity of medical equipment, which have left many hospitals struggling to function effectively. The situation has also forced residents to seek alternatives, such as herbal remedies, unconventional treatments and religious medical support programmes.
The DARMAT, which has been filling the gap in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, made the disclosure during the presentation of its annual report.
The organisation lamented that the number of people seeking medical attention every Thursday far exceeded its capacity and called on the government to strengthen access to healthcare services.
The Chief Imam and National Ameer of DARMAT, Imam Misbahudeen Olawale, said the society could only support about 35 people weekly despite growing demand.
According to him, while the organisation acknowledged government efforts, the volume of patients visiting the group reflected serious gaps in public healthcare delivery.
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“DARMAT always provides free drugs and other medical care for different health challenges except major cases, which are referred to government healthcare centres,” Olawale stated.
He said the intervention, which has lasted over seven years, has gulped an estimated N2.67 million annually.
Olawale stated that DARMAT also conducts community health outreaches, adding that during a recent four-week free healthcare programme in Osogbo, the society planned for 200 beneficiaries but attended to over 500 due to overwhelming demand.
The organisation also said it carries out quarterly Da’wah visits to correctional facilities, supports inmates with welfare items and assists prisoners facing medical challenges.
According to Olawale, DARMAT spent over 5 Million in 2025 on free healthcare, scholarships and welfare interventions for vulnerable Nigerians.
He added that 38 women benefited from free skill acquisition training this year and were empowered with equipment for fashion designing, hairdressing, tie-and-dye and other vocations.
Olawale urged wealthy individuals to support vulnerable members of society, stressing that DARMAT would continue its humanitarian interventions.
