Nigeria: Mammoth Turnout at Free Medical Outreach Programme

Between a full belly and medical treatment for a protracted illness which will be your preference? While you are still trying to make up your mind, there is a Nigerian at a free medical outreach organised by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN in collaboration with Dr. Lisa Onyemobi's Foundation who do not need to think before making a choice.

The programme undoubtedly brought out the decadence in the nation's healthcare delivery. The event which held in Etiosa/Island areas of Lagos State no doubt revealed the fact that chronic poverty, epidermic of untreated, un-managed, and undiagnosed diseases are already among Nigerians.
Among the over 2000 people who were at the free screening and treatment programme most of them were diagnosed with one disease disorder or another. But one thing common was that they cannot access or afford treatment.
For 60 years Mrs. Mary Nkem, who was diagnosed of hyperglycemia, (High Blood Sugar Level) with 521 mg/dl blood sugar level, even though, her case requires urgent attention, her immediate concern was about what she could eat at that moment.
"The doctor said my blood sugar is very high and that I should immediately be referred to a hospital but I need to eat first."
Apart from Nkem, many other beneficiaries were disgnosed for various illnesses including untreated malaria, high blood pressure, dental and eye problems amongst others.
Following the various revelations at the event, Health watchers are of the view that the poor health indices of the country may continue to rise if nothing urgent is done to improve the country's health sector.

In a chat with Vanguard, the National President of PFN, Pastor Ayo Oristsejafor who was represented by the Lagos State PFN Chairman, Apostle Alex Bamgbola who described the turnout as decadence in the nation's healthcare called on the Federal Government create environment to form a synergy to ensure that less privileged Nigerians have access to healthcare.

Oristsejafor who explained that religious bodies have been in the business of medical outreach right from the time of the missionaries noted the inadequate health facilities across the nation, said: "It is a shame that the healthcare system is not properly funded. Most health facilities lack equipment and many Nigerians now go abroad for minor illness that Nigerian doctors could handle."
Stating that bodies like PFN cannot sit and watch Nigerians in the hinter lands die, he said: "We don't just want to pray for the people alone but we want to also impact on their lives by providing opportunities like this.

Also speaking, Chairman, PFN Island/ Etiosa Province, Pastor Ebun Adegboruwa counseled Christians to always seek medical treatment when it becomes necessary. "Today both unbelievers, muslims and traditionalists are here. Medical doctors are not working against us rather we are complimenting the work of Jesus Christ.

Speaking, the Vice Chairman, Dr. Lisa Onyemobi's Foundation, Evang. Oguazi Onyemobi said the free medical outreach was informed by the fact that there was not enough medical centres in the area and few centres around are not patronised due to lack of awareness.

Onyemobi who was overwhelmed by the turnout, said "We have seen people carrying terrible problems and are in critical situations. This is part of our social responsibilities.
Baale of Obalemisoro which comprises 23 resettlement villages, Chief Lamidi Elesho who commended the organisers lamented that most of the people in the area depend on herbal medications as there were no health facilities in the area.