According to a news report from the Nigerian Tribune, the Kwara State Government aims to reach approximately 9,000 people in its 2024 annual free medico-surgical outreach, spanning all 16 local government areas of the state.

Dr. Amina El-Imam, the state Health Commissioner, informed the Tribune on Thursday in Ilorin that last year's outreach benefitted 7,500 people. This year's programme will commence at KWASUTH in Ilorin West Local Government Area on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

The commissioner highlighted that the initiative is designed to deliver essential medical services directly to the least privileged members of society, thereby removing barriers to healthcare access and fostering a healthier, more inclusive community.

Dr. El-Imam noted that the medical treatments would include eye surgeries, hernia surgeries, and more, with the hope of reaching an even greater number of Kwara State residents this year.

“This annual initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to quality healthcare,” she said.

“Throughout the state, medical consultations, eye screenings, and surgeries will be offered to those in need. This is not just about addressing immediate healthcare needs; it’s about restoring hope and dignity to those who often find themselves marginalized and overlooked”.

Dr. El-Imam urged all members of the community to avail themselves of the opportunity, adding, “Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals will provide compassionate care and support every step of the way”.

She commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his commitment to providing Universal Health Coverage to the people of Kwara and urged the people to seize the opportunity to tell one another that free health is coming to all the 16 local governments in Kwara.

In a related development, the commissioner disclosed that over 200,000 HPV vaccine doses are available at all state facilities across the state to protect young girls against cancer.

She urged parents and guardians to make their wards between the ages of 9 and 13 available for the opportunity, explaining that the vaccine is free and effective for cervical cancer prevention.

“HPV vaccine is our arsenal if we want to attack cervical cancer among our women, which is third most common cancer among women of 15-44 years of age”, she said.

She said that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has also approved state state-wide screening programme for cancer, especially cervical cancer in October 2024.