Hospitals offer 3-day free medical care in support of the underprivileged in Ibadan

Alpha Specialist Hospital, Ibadan, in collaboration with HSG hospitals in India, has offered 3-day free medical services, including free medications, general health checks, dental care, eye care, and surgical operations, as part of its corporate social responsibility.

The medical director of Alpha Specialist Hospital, Dr Adebayo Olajide, speaking at the flag-off of the 3-day medical outreach in Ibadan, said it was in support of the less privileged in the society in need of different forms of health services, including screening tests for different diseases like cancer of the prostate, breast, and cervix, HIV, as well as hepatitis B and C.

According to him, “It’s to contribute our whole little quota to the society. Due to financial constraints, many people conceal their illnesses. Given that it’s the first day, the turnout is better than we anticipated.

“To say almost 100 people were seen and more are still coming in on the first day in is incredible. It makes patients more conscious of the importance of taking care of their health. The money is probably what is preventing them from going to the hospital.

“Although the government is making some progress, it is insufficient. The coverage provided by our national health insurance is insufficient. Otherwise, we are not expecting as much as what we’re seeing.”

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According to Professor Kirthi Koushik, a senior member of the administration of the HSG Groups of Hospitals and a radiation oncologist, there are many parallels between Nigeria and India in terms of the facilities that are available and the desire of the medical staff to treat patients well.

“That is what motivated me to ensure that our hospital can collaborate with him to advance oncology care in particular, ensuring that all patients receive the same level of care whether they are in India or here. That’s our plan,” he added.

Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Oyo State branch, Dr Happy Adedapo, said that the medical outreach like this would fill gaps in the healthcare delivery system of Oyo State, bringing healthcare facilities closer to the grassroots.

He, however, urged a more conducive environment for private healthcare providers to thrive in Nigeria, saying the cost of electricity is too high and a big challenge to the survival of private healthcare facilities, which cater to over 70 percent of Nigerians’ health needs.