Hundreds of residents in Deghele and adjoining villages in Elume, Sapele Local Government Area benefitted from a free medical outreach on Wednesday, sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone, as part of his ongoing efforts to expand access to essential healthcare services in rural and underserved communities. The initiative, which took place at Deghele Health Center, drew a significant turnout of men, women, and elderly residents from various nearby villages, many of whom have limited access to medical facilities.
The outreach offered a wide range of healthcare services, including hepatitis screening, blood pressure checks, glucose level tests, malaria diagnosis, blood group determination, and general medical consultations. In addition to these services, health education sessions were conducted to promote awareness on disease prevention and encourage early medical intervention.
Speaking at the event, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, the Senate Liaison Officer in Sapele Local Government Council, who represented Senator Dafinone, highlighted the goal of the programme. He explained that the initiative was designed to bridge healthcare gaps in rural areas and improve overall community wellbeing. “This is the medical outreach day for our people, especially those in remote communities. You can see the joy on their faces because many of them rarely have access to this kind of care,” Akamuvba said.
He further emphasized the educational aspect of the outreach, noting that participants were taught how to identify symptoms of common illnesses and seek timely treatment. “It was a very interactive session. They were taught what to look out for and what to do when they notice symptoms. That knowledge is as important as the treatment itself,” he added, stressing the importance of preventative healthcare.
Also speaking at the event, Comrade Victor Azan, President General of Elume District, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, describing it as unexpected but highly impactful. “We were surprised when we got the information. I immediately informed the 19 villages, and people are still coming. This is something we never expected,” he said, noting the dire need for accessible healthcare in the region.
Azan highlighted the struggles faced by residents in the area, many of whom suffer from illnesses but lack the financial means to seek medical attention. “For someone to remember us and bring this kind of support is a big relief. We are very happy, and we pray for more of this kind of intervention,” he added, emphasizing the long-term positive impact of such outreach programmes.
Hon. Morrison Ikoyo also commended the initiative and urged residents to prioritize regular health check-ups. “If you don’t check your health, you won’t know your condition. Regular check-ups help you detect problems early and address them before they become serious,” he advised, stressing the importance of proactive healthcare for rural communities.
Several beneficiaries shared their appreciation for the outreach. Mrs. Evelyn Okoro revealed that she had not undergone a medical check-up in years due to financial constraints. “I am very happy for this opportunity. I didn’t know my blood pressure was high until today. This programme has really helped me,” she said, underscoring the value of accessible healthcare for individuals who cannot afford private medical services.
Similarly, Eunice Pemu described the outreach as a life-saving intervention for rural dwellers. “Many of us cannot afford hospital bills, so we ignore our health challenges. Today, we have been examined and treated free of charge. I now know my health status, and I feel relieved. We pray this programme continues because it will save many lives,” she said.
The medical outreach by Senator Dafinone is part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare delivery in rural communities, particularly in areas where residents often face challenges in accessing timely and affordable medical services. The initiative not only provided immediate medical attention but also empowered community members with knowledge on how to maintain their health, recognize early symptoms of diseases, and take preventive measures.
By combining medical treatment with health education, the programme aimed to address both immediate health concerns and long-term wellbeing. Participants were able to receive diagnostic services that they would otherwise have struggled to afford, while also gaining practical knowledge to improve their overall health.
The outreach is expected to have a lasting impact on the Elume community and neighboring villages, reinforcing the importance of consistent healthcare interventions in rural areas. Senator Dafinone’s initiative highlights the need for government officials and policymakers to prioritize healthcare access in underserved regions, ensuring that residents can lead healthier and more productive lives.
The success of the Deghele medical outreach underscores the effectiveness of community-based health programmes and serves as a model for similar initiatives across Sapele Local Government Area and beyond. With continued support and collaboration between local leaders and policymakers, more rural communities are likely to benefit from such essential services in the future, improving public health outcomes across the region.
