By Maimunat Abdullahi
..Aims for 1,000 free Procedures
Lagos State has reaffirmed its dedication to accessible healthcare through its Free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery and Rehabilitation Programme. Focused on children with lower limb deformities, the initiative recently transformed the lives of 50 beneficiaries, who underwent life-changing surgeries at Gbagada General Hospital. This effort underscores the state’s commitment to improving the well-being of its residents, offering hope and mobility to those in need.
According to a press release signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo it states that during today’s hospital visit, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, highlighted the success of the latest phase of a life-changing medical programme. Of the 213 individuals screened, 50 beneficiaries, many of them children facing severe health challenges, were selected for treatment. Dr. Ogboye expressed the ministry’s commitment to providing vital care and improving the lives of those most in need, particularly young patients who had suffered greatly due to their conditions. This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare access for vulnerable communities.
“The programme started in 2007 as a medical assistance initiative for children with lower limb deformities that impede normal growth and function. Since then, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary outreach, reaching over 6,000 beneficiaries to date,” Dr. Ogboye explained.
He noted that the state government launched this intervention to ease the physical and emotional toll on affected children and their families. By addressing their needs, the initiative aims to help these children regain a sense of normalcy and thrive within society.
“The programme is designed to tackle deformities such as bow legs and clubfoot, which if left untreated, could hinder the ability of children to walk or live independently”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary shared that the latest phase of the program kicked off at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) with a comprehensive screening exercise. A dedicated team of specialists conducted thorough evaluations, carefully assessing the patients to determine the next steps in their treatment journey.
“Those who qualified were subsequently booked for surgery at the Gbagada General Hospital. In addition to surgery, beneficiaries were provided with physiotherapy, nutrition counseling, health education, and assistive mobility devices to ensure a comprehensive recovery”, he added.
Dr. Ogboye highlighted the impact of the program’s outreach strategy, explaining that it allows access to children who would otherwise face long delays for surgery. By bringing healthcare directly to underserved communities, the initiative ensures that these children receive timely treatment, bypassing the challenges of extended waiting lists. This approach not only addresses immediate medical needs but also brings hope to families who might have lost faith in accessing care for their children. Through proactive outreach, the program transforms lives by making essential surgeries available to those who need them most.
“We gather patients from all our health facilities, screen them, and if they are fit for surgery, they are booked for the procedure. We’ve been doing this since 2007, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive,” Ogboye said.
Reflecting on the successes of the programme, Dr. Ogboye noted, “Over the years, this initiative has led to significantly improved health outcomes for the children. The recent surgical interventions reinforce the Lagos State Government’s dedication to its Health and Environment mandate under the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda.”
He maintained that the State Government’s free medical program extends far beyond limb deformity treatments, offering a range of life-changing services. This includes eye surgeries for corneal and cataract issues, ear surgeries, and the distribution of hearing aids. Additionally, amputees benefit from prosthetic support, demonstrating the government’s commitment to holistic healthcare interventions for its citizens.
“This holistic approach ensures that we tackle various disabilities and improve the quality of life for numerous individuals across the state,” Ogboye explained.
Similarly, Dr. Tolulope Ajomale, Coordinator of the Free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery Programme, commended the current administration for its vital role in the ongoing success of the initiative. He highlighted the government’s unwavering support, which has been instrumental in providing life-changing surgeries for those in need, ensuring the programme’s continued impact on improving the lives of many.
“With the support of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sawo-Olu, we are targeting 1,000 free surgeries over the next few years,” he stated.
Dr. Ajomale emphasized the crucial need for interventions targeting underserved communities, noting that numerous families struggle with the prohibitive costs of corrective surgeries. He highlighted how such financial barriers can limit access to essential medical care, underscoring the importance of affordable solutions to ensure equitable health outcomes for all.
“This programme not only provides healthcare but also restores hope to children and their families,” he said. Ajomale reiterated that the surgeries also help the state gather data for future disability intervention strategies, ensuring that those in need can continue receiving the care they require.
Dr. Ajomale emphasized the transformative impact of the intervention on children’s lives. Previously burdened by mobility issues and chronic pain, these children now find themselves free to chase their educational goals and dreams. The newfound freedom not only enhances their day-to-day experiences but also opens doors to future possibilities once out of reach.
“Imagine the impact of correcting these deformities – it opens up a world of possibilities for the children, allowing them to fully participate in school and other activities,” he said.
Gbagada General Hospital has been instrumental in the success of the life-changing surgical initiative. As a key partner, the hospital not only hosted the surgeries but also ensured the seamless operation of the program. Dr. Olusegun Babafemi, the Medical Director, proudly highlighted the hospital’s significant role, celebrating the positive impact of the initiative on countless lives.
“We have partnered with the Ministry of Health for several years now, and it has been a privilege to witness the joy this programme brings to vulnerable families,” he said.
Babafemi urged parents to act swiftly and seek medical care if they observe any signs of limb deformities in their children. His advice emphasizes the importance of early intervention to address potential issues before they escalate.
“Immediate intervention can prevent more severe complications. We advise families to visit any of the 30 general hospitals in Lagos, where they can be referred to appropriate facilities for care,” he added.
On the basis of this however, Dr. Babafemi emphasized that for families struggling with the costs of urgent surgery, the state’s annual free corrective surgery program is a vital resource. He assured that the government fully funds these procedures, guaranteeing that every child receives the necessary care without financial burden.
Conclusively, the Lagos state government’s relentless pursuit of enhancing healthcare access for marginalized communities highlights its dedication to fostering a healthier, more equitable society. The ongoing Free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery Programme stands out as a shining example of this commitment, offering a lifeline of hope to countless children and their families in need. Through this initiative, Lagos not only transforms lives but also underscores its unwavering promise to inclusivity and compassionate care.
