…Rotary Club conducts free surgeries
By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Six Rotary clubs in Amuwo-Odofin has urged government, philanthropicbodies and non-governmental organizations to key into the humanitarian serviceof Rotary to make life easier and meaningful for the less privilege in society.
The clubs made this call during its medical outreach where51indigent Nigerians who were in need of medical attention after beingdiagnosed of surgical conditions were offered free surgery in Amuwo Medical Center,(AMC),from April 8 to 12, 2024.
Moreso, theprogramme was flagged off by, Rotary Club of Festac Metropolitan, Rotary Clubof Satellite, Rotary Club of Greenfield Estate, Rotary Club of Lagos West, RotaryClub of Festac Town, Rotary Club of Amuwo-Odofin these clubs six club inAmuwo-Odofin and Satellite under district 9110, which covers Lagosand Ogun State.
President of the Rotary Club of Lagos West, Rotarian OmolaraAkinsanya initiated the project with other Rotary Club president. A specializedteam of doctors in various areas performed the surgeries, which wassponsored by the service organization.
“We conducted a free medical surgery after they werediagnosed on this ailments: herniorrhaphy, lumpectomy, lipoma removal, myomectomy,for many less privilege people, which include women, children and men.
“The surgery was conducted free of charge for those whocannot afford their hospital bills and have carried the ailments for years dueto financial implications.
Akinsanya said that the clubs decided to pull resourcestogether and embark on the project, after a need assessment exercise was carriedout within the community and it’s environs.
“Although the exercise started with a community medicaloutreach/sensitization with and free screening exercise, in March 2024, 57people were scheduled initially, including children for the surgery. But thefunds available could only carter for 51 persons; we hope to touch more lives.”
Patients were urged to follow up on the treatment and abideby the doctor’s prescription, “the club has taken all the burdens of providingmedical surgery in the spirit of Rotary humanitarianism.”
Meanwhile, President of the Rotary Club of FestacMetropolitan, Rotarian Babs Mogbogu, said they discovered that a lot ofindigent families in some communities couldn’t afford or access quality medicalcare for themselves due to the high cost of treatment.
“They need interventions such as this from serviceorganizations like Rotary, co-operate bodies, government and well meaningfulNigerians need to support healthcare services.
He lamented onthe deplorable state of the nation’s health system and urged the government tosee the need to invest more on the health care system and personnel so as toimprove and save the lives of citizens, as of them cannot afford medicalexpenses.
Past Assistant Governor of the Rotary Club of Lagos West andproject services chairperson, Rotarian Kefe Adedibu stated that Rotary as aservice organisation was bound to carry out service in areas, including diseaseprevention and treatment, maternal and child health, among others.
She hinted thatthe project handled as many patients as possible that were part of the exerciseand presented their cases within the stipulated period.
Adedibuapplauded the efforts of the participating Rotary clubs for putting up thehumanitarian service project in less than six months, expressed gratitude tothose who supported the project worth millions in their efforts to touch lives.
Also, thePresident of the Rotary Club of Satellite, Rotarian Adaobi Onyeka used theopportunity to sensitized women on fibroid surgery. Many women delay fibroidsurgery because they are afraid and think of death during surgery.
“They just wantto endure the pain and discomfort. However, it is important to realize thatfibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus and while they can causesymptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure, they arenot life threatening.
“Surgery toremove fibroids, such as a myomectomy or hysterectomy, can provide relief fromsymptoms and improve overall quality of life. It is important to consult with ahealthcare provider to discuss treatment options and make an informed decisionbased on individual health needs and concerns.”