By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

The Family Medicine Department at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo, has stated its unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive and inclusive care to individuals and families across all age groups and health conditions.

The Head of Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Titilayo Alege, stated this recently while speaking with newsmen in Ondo.

She said the department has established strategic partnerships with the hospital’s Social Support Services, through the Department of Social Work, to conduct means testing—an initiative aimed at identifying and supporting indigent patients.

According to her, the department is collaborating with the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission to ensure access to affordable healthcare for financially disadvantaged individuals.

“I want to share two notable cases highlighting the department’s compassionate outreach. Miss Kayode Kehinde, a young woman under the age of 30, registered under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund with the ID OND/ONW/DE/09/04/98, presented with general body weakness. Upon examination, she was found to be pale and had elevated blood pressure (140/100 mmHg).

“Similarly, a 29-year-old smoked corn vendor, Mrs. Chiamaka Ebuchi, registered with OND/ONW/F/KA/JI/15/08/90, visited the outpatient clinic with her husband and was diagnosed with Hepatitis B—a condition that, if untreated, could progress to liver cancer. Both patients received timely and effective medical care, despite financial constraints, thanks to these support mechanisms.”

Dr. Alege emphasised the department’s home-based medical care service, specifically designed for elderly citizens.

“This initiative helps to address common barriers to hospital access, such as transportation challenges, distance, and cultural beliefs.”

She further explained plans to expand collaborations with state government health agencies to deliver medical services directly to patients’ homes—an effort aimed at enhancing community outreach and healthcare delivery.

Also speaking, the Acting Chief Medical Director of UNIMEDTH, Dr. Michael Gbala, commended the Family Medicine Department’s dynamic and multifaceted role in improving healthcare access across the state.

He highlighted its significant contributions to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), especially for vulnerable populations, including the rural poor and indigent patients.

Dr. Gbala praised the commitment of the UNIMEDTH team, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of qualitative and affordable healthcare.

He described the Family Medicine Department’s work as a model of primary healthcare excellence, demonstrating the essential role of accessible, patient-centered services.