By Popoola Jamiu
The Ogun State Government has stepped up efforts to improve access to healthcare with the launch of its annual free medical outreach programme and a renewed campaign to raise public awareness about the state’s free emergency ambulance services.
Speaking at the flag-off of the 2026 annual free medical outreach at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, the Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, highlighted the administration’s commitment to preventive healthcare, particularly in the fight against cervical cancer.
The outreach, organised through the Ajose Foundation in partnership with a team of United States-based medical specialists, is expected to provide free healthcare services to more than 300 vulnerable residents across the state.
A major highlight of this year’s programme was the commissioning of an advanced colposcope at OOUTH to improve cervical cancer screening and early diagnosis.
According to Mrs. Abiodun, the equipment will enable healthcare professionals to conduct more precise examinations and obtain tissue samples for timely detection and treatment of cervical abnormalities.
“Our core message is prevention, as early detection is far more effective and less costly than treating advanced-stage diseases. By providing access to advanced diagnostic tools, we are empowering women to take charge of their health before conditions become life-threatening,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians with the means to support vulnerable members of society, stressing that access to quality healthcare should not be determined by economic status.
“When you are in a position to help those who cannot help themselves, do not hesitate; this is about giving back,” she added.
Leader of the 35-member U.S. medical team, Dr. Bimpe Adenusi, said the newly installed colposcope would significantly strengthen the hospital’s capacity to combat cervical cancer through high-precision screening.
She also disclosed that this year’s outreach marked an expansion in the scope of surgical procedures being offered, particularly in orthopaedic care.
According to her, the team successfully carried out a complex knee replacement surgery on a five-year-old child free of charge, describing it as a milestone achievement for the programme.
“We did a knee replacement surgery for a five-year-old this year for the first time. Such surgeries cost millions of naira, but thanks to the First Lady, we were able to do both legs for that little boy free of charge. There are also more patients scheduled for hip replacements, bone-setting and knee replacement surgeries,” Adenusi said.
Other procedures being conducted during the outreach include breast lump removals, fibroid surgeries, hernia repairs and thyroidectomies across nine operating theatres.
The wife of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Mrs. Temitope Adeola, who attended the event, commended the initiative and called on affluent Nigerians to invest more in community welfare programmes.
One of the beneficiaries, Bola Fabowale, expressed appreciation to the First Lady, the medical team and OOUTH management for providing life-changing healthcare interventions at no cost.
Meanwhile, as part of activities marking World Ambulance Day, the Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Services (OGSAES) has intensified public sensitisation on the availability of free 24-hour emergency medical services across the state.
The awareness campaign took officials of the agency to Yewa North Local Government Area, where they urged residents to take advantage of the emergency response services provided by the state government.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, the Head of Advocacy and Mobilisation of OGSAES, Mr. Banjo Oluwaseun, said the campaign was aimed at ensuring residents were fully aware of the emergency services available to them.
He explained that the free ambulance service caters for pregnant women, children under five years, road accident victims and other emergency medical cases.
According to him, beneficiaries are also entitled to up to 48 hours of emergency care at designated hospitals.
“The essence of this sensitisation is to ensure that every resident is aware that emergency ambulance services are available 24 hours a day at no cost. We encourage members of the public to make use of the service whenever genuine emergencies arise,” Oluwaseun said.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to ensuring rapid emergency response and reducing preventable deaths through timely medical intervention.
Responding, Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr. Akinbode, praised the Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Services for taking the campaign to grassroots communities.
He described the initiative as an important component of the state’s healthcare delivery system and urged ambulance personnel to remain professional and dedicated in carrying out their duties.
“I appreciate your commitment to saving lives through prompt emergency response. Continue to be active and professional in your duties while complementing the healthcare vision of the Ogun State Government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun,” he said.
Officials said the World Ambulance Day campaign is intended to increase public awareness of the critical role emergency medical services play in healthcare delivery while encouraging residents to utilise the life-saving services provided by the Ogun State Government.