To promote the health and well-being of vulnerable widows, a non-governmental organisation, Total Life Concern (TLC) has conducted a free medical outreach in Ikate, Lagos.
The initiative, which saw the participation of approximately 150 widows from Ajah, Surulere, Ikorodu, and surrounding areas, aimed at providing essential healthcare services and support to women in need. They were offered food and transportation costs to ensure maximum participation.
A lawyer/ Convener of TLC, Mrs. Edirin Essiet, explained that the yearly event was dedicated to serving widows and vulnerable women.
“We do this every year to ensure they have access to free medical services,” she noted.
Moreover, she acknowledged Pastor Tobi Popoola of MFM Youth Church, Lekki, who played a pivotal role in facilitating the outreach by sending a dedicated medical team from the church. The team worked tirelessly to ensure that community members had access to essential healthcare services.
However, the team offered a range of medical services, including general health check-ups, screenings for common ailments, and consultations with healthcare professionals. The outreach not only focused on immediate medical interventions but also aimed to educate participants about preventive health measures and the importance of regular health screenings.
Other, partners such as the I SEE Eye Foundation, Opal Medical Center, and All Smiles Dental Clinic contributed by conducting eye screenings, dental checkups, and offered scaling and polishing procedures for 20 widows.
Essiet expressed gratitude to all partners and emphasised that all services rendered were entirely free. She appealed to Nigerians to support widows, especially in healthcare, by sponsoring their health insurance schemes and facilitating access to medical care.
“One woman was rushed to the hospital today due to her deteriorating health after her test results revealed serious conditions. Many widows out there are suffering silently, unaware of their health issues because they prioritize survival over health,” she said.
She called on the government to prioritize free healthcare services for widows, particularly those in rural areas, advocating for comprehensive, free medical care from diagnosis to treatment.
“Widows are vulnerable, and their health needs urgent attention,” she stressed.
A healthcare professional, Dr. Eucharia Egbo led a team of doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and nutritionists to perform health checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria tests, eye screenings, and dental examinations.
She highlighted the importance of lifestyle education, urging widows to avoid self-medication and to seek professional advice before taking any drugs.
“Proper diagnosis is crucial; self-medication can be dangerous,” she warned.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) efforts to integrate traditional medicine and local herbs into mainstream healthcare were also discussed. Dr. Egbo cautioned against the abuse of herbal remedies, emphasising that only trained practitioners should administer such treatments to prevent adverse effects.
A general medical practitioner, Dr. Faleye Odundare-Stephen praised the initiative, noting that it provides vital support for widows unable to afford healthcare.
“Many discover health conditions like hypertension for the first time during such outreach, which enables them to seek necessary treatment,” he said.
However, he strongly advised against self-medication with local herbs, citing potential side effects on vital organs, especially the liver, and urged everyone to follow medical prescriptions.
