The Ondo State Government has extended its free medical outreach programme for elderly residents to Ile-Oluji Kingdom as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable groups across the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, who flagged off the outreach at the palace hall of the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, said the initiative reflects the commitment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to promoting the health and welfare of elderly citizens in all 18 local government areas of the state.
She commended Governor Aiyedatiwa and the First Lady, Mrs. Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for prioritising the welfare of senior citizens through programmes aimed at improving their quality of life.
According to the commissioner, the outreach is designed to reach elderly persons in underserved communities who lack access to medical facilities by providing free medical consultations, laboratory tests, drugs and other essential healthcare services within their communities.
She disclosed that beneficiaries would also be enrolled in a free health insurance scheme to enable them to continue accessing healthcare services beyond the outreach programme, including referrals for specialised treatment where necessary.
Osamaye further revealed that the state government had introduced a financial support initiative tagged “Owo Arugbo” to provide stipends for elderly residents to help meet their immediate needs.
She said the programme was in fulfilment of campaign promises made by the present administration to prioritise the welfare of vulnerable members of society.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Kolawole Kayode, described the initiative as a laudable intervention that would improve access to healthcare for the elderly and other vulnerable groups, while commending the commissioner for the effective implementation of the programme.
Also speaking, Professor Bridget Awosika said the outreach had already been extended to more than seven local government areas and would subsequently cover the remaining councils in the state. She urged elderly residents to prioritise their health through regular medical check-ups.
The Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Oba Julius Oluwole Olufaderin Adetimehin, expressed appreciation to the state government for bringing the programme to his kingdom, noting that the intervention would have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of his people.Medical personnel from the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) conducted health screenings, consultations, diagnoses and distributed free medications to beneficiaries during the exercise.
