Abiodun Nejo
The Ekiti State Government has scheduled 700 residents for free surgeries in the next three months.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, disclosed this during a radio programme in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Saturday.
He explained that the free surgeries would cover procedures such as appendectomies, cataract surgeries and fibroid removals.
The commissioner stated, “The free surgical initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access for underserved and financially disadvantaged residents.
“As I speak, over 700 residents are scheduled for free surgeries in the next three months.”
Filani added that the state government’s free medical services through the Ulerawa Insurance Programme had been of benefit to no fewer than 429,000 residents.
He said, “The Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the State Ulerawa Health Insurance are two main health interventions in the state that have been offering free healthcare under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration in the state.
“The two programmes offer free services, including malaria treatment, immunisation, maternal and child health services, family planning, nutrition, HIV, and tuberculosis care across 177 health centres in the state, while serious cases presented at the centres are referred to secondary and tertiary institutions for further treatment.
“As part of efforts to improve service delivery in public health facilities in the state, the government has organised training for health staff, begun extensive renovations of health facilities and aligned doctors’ pay with what obtains at the federal level to boost motivation.”
Filani lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the new Federal Medical Centre in Ikole Ekiti as he acknowledged the efforts of the governor in ensuring the new tertiary health institution was approved for the state.
He said that the ongoing Maternal and Child Health Week held between July 19 and July 23 was targeted at improving the health and well-being of mothers and children across the state and ensuring a healthier future for Ekiti communities.
Filani said, “Immunisation services will be provided to ensure that our children are protected against preventable diseases. Essential Vitamin A supplements will be administered to children aged six months to 59 months to boost their immune systems and promote healthy growth.
“Deworming tablets will be distributed to children to prevent parasitic infections and improve overall health. Pregnant women will receive antenatal care services, including health education, nutritional counselling and routine check-ups.”
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