…offers 16,000 citizens free medicare

From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that the weak primary healthcare system in the country contributes significantly to the rising mortality rate among Nigerian citizens.

Bamidele stated that many citizens often die of treatable diseases due to poverty and poor access to quality healthcare.

He explained that this prompted him to provide free medical intervention for 16,000 constituents in Ekiti Central Senatorial District to alleviate their health challenges.

The Senate Leader made this known in Ado-Ekiti on Friday while concluding the second phase of his Free Medical Outreach across the five local government areas in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, where 9,400 people benefited.

A total of 6,600 residents of the district had earlier benefited from the first phase of the programme, undertaken in partnership with the Industrial Arbitration Panel. This increased the total number of beneficiaries to 16,000.

The beneficiaries were diagnosed and treated for ailments such as hepatitis, hypertension, hernia, diabetes, and visual problems. Free eye glasses were also distributed to those with various visual impairments.

Bemoaning the poor access of many Nigerians to quality healthcare, Bamidele, represented by his Senior Legislative Assistant, Hon. Bunmi Oguntuase, noted that this trend had hindered the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.

To address this persistent issue, Bamidele urged state governors to prioritise the healthcare needs of grassroots communities, where over 70% of the population resides.

He promised that the programme would be sustained to provide safety nets for underprivileged constituents.

Applauding the Senate Leader for the free health initiative, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, said Senator Bamidele’s efforts highlighted the benefits of having a ranking federal lawmaker in the state.

Oba Adejugbe commended the strong working relationship between Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Senator Bamidele, adding that it had significantly improved the state’s economy, particularly in human capital development, a cornerstone of the current administration.

The monarch also highlighted that through Senator Bamidele’s unwavering commitment, the Ekiti Central Senatorial District had benefited from improved road infrastructure, enhanced healthcare delivery, scholarship programmes, bursary awards, and the construction of hostels for Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, to provide affordable accommodation for students.