Dr. Ola Ahmed, a former chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kwara State, has provided free healthcare services to approximately 500 less-privileged residents in Ilorin. This initiative, part of his birthday celebrations, aimed to improve public healthcare and provide essential medical support to the community.
The two-day outreach programme included medical and surgical screenings, consultations, free eye tests, and the distribution of eyeglasses and essential medications. Additionally, the event involved engaging local youths in sports activities and raising awareness about issues such as drug abuse, sexual health, and reproductive health.
Speaking during the outreach, Dr. Ahmed, who also serves as the Principal Medical Officer, explained that the initiative was his way of giving back to society and supporting government efforts to improve public health. He highlighted the challenges facing the healthcare system, such as insufficient funding, public ignorance, and the “Japa” syndrome, which refers to the rising number of healthcare workers emigrating in search of better opportunities abroad.
He emphasised that the initiative allowed doctors to offer free treatment and diagnosis, particularly benefiting the elderly, women, and children. Dr. Ahmed urged Nigerians to support similar projects and invest in community health schemes, including subsidised health insurance.
Dr. Salau Hafiz, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Ayishat Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, explained that patients were screened for conditions such as malaria, blood sugar imbalances, and hypertension, with many receiving eyeglasses for vision problems. Common ailments identified during the outreach included hypertension, diabetes, malaria, and respiratory infections.
Dr. Kudirat Lambe, Deputy Director at the Kwara Ministry of Health, expressed her fulfilment in participating, describing the outreach as an opportunity to give back to the community that raised them. One of the beneficiaries, Alhaja Adijat Nuru, praised the initiative for making healthcare more accessible and called for similar programmes across the country. Community Leader Alhaji Yusuf Saliu also commended Dr. Ahmed’s dedication and encouraged others to follow his example, highlighting that acts of kindness are always rewarded by God.