Wale Jagun & Joy Fanon (SIWES Student)
Another edition of the free medical mission organized by the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), in partnership with the Ikorodu Eye Foundation, began on Wednesday.
According to the organisers, about 500 beneficiaries are being targeted for the free medical screening which involves free eye tests and free Cataract Surgery for residents across lkorodu.
The medical mission kicked – off at the Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu, on August 7 2024, with residents from different parts of Ikorodu Division, turning up for the free medical services.
THE IMPACT gathered that the beneficiaries who had registered online or physically at the IKODASS Secretariat, started trooping to the venue as early as 6:30am, on the opening day of the exercise.
On that opening day, free glasses and drugs were also given out to many beneficiaries, while some were asked to buy their drugs after free screening.
Mr Lasisi Wasiu, one of the Ikorodu Eye Foundation’s representatives , said that creating awareness and offering treatments to rural dwellers having challenges with their eyes, is part of the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).
He said that this year’s edition of the outreach at the Ikorodu Town Hall, in conjunction with IKODASS, has been a success judging by the large turnout.
The Ikorodu Eye Foundation representative said that they have seen lots of residents with cataract problems which they are going to operate free.
Dr Reuben Obani, Vice Chairman, Fajimi Estate CDA, who is one of the beneficiaries, said that he did not believe in the outreach when he read about it in news, and added that he was elated with the arrangement when he got to the venue.
“I got the message from a WhatsApp platform, where I belong. I am the Vice Chairman of Fajimi Estate CDA. I am highly elated. I was so happy with the arrangement, because I couldn’t imagine it is real. I know how much I spent when I did personal screening.
“When I saw it on the WhatsApp platform, I was like is it real? My wife had to push me yesterday. I reluctantly came and did the registration, but coming here today, and seeing the crowd, I was like God!
“I wish I had had the opportunity like this before. In fact, I was given glasses for reading only. I am glad as I am having this interview”, he said.
“It is a laudable event. When I was coming for the registration, I made a call through the phone numbers made available in the news to get proper direction to this place, the person that received my call was so nice directing me”, he added.
Chief Jide Banjo from Oreyo in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, also commended the level of organization of the medical outreach.
“Somebody sent the news about the medical mission to my WhatsApp, that is why I am here for the eye screening. I was assigned to get drugs which I am going to pay for.
“It is a well – organised program. I was given glasses to read only”.
Another beneficiary, Mr Olanrewaju Charles, also commended the organisers for the initiative.
“I heard about it today through the social media platform that I belong to. I pray that God will continue to bless them, because a lot of people may not be able to afford the medical expenses, but with this programme, people were given the opportunity to pay attention to their health, especially their eyes which are very important”.
