Free medical outreach for the aged in Delta community

By Elo Edremoda, Warri

No fewer than 100 elderly men and women drawn from five Itsekiri communities in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State have benefited from a free medical outreach being provided by the Ogiame Ikenwoli Hospital, Ubeji.

The one-week medical programme which commenced last Monday was organised by Matrix Energy Group in partnership with the hospital.

The five benefitting communities, Ubeji, Ifiekporo, Egbokodo Itsekiri, Ajaetan and Ijala Ikeren are host to Matrix Energy Group.

However, aged people from other communities around the host areas were given the opportunity to participate in the free medical outreach on Saturday.

While addressing reporters at the event, Head of Safety, Matrix Energy Group, Fred Olomuro said the programme was kicked off with the mind of reaching out to those who are 60 years and above because they are oftentimes abandoned by society.

He disclosed that there is a future plan by Matrix to organise a bigger medical outreach that will attend to the surgical needs of aged people.

Medical Director of the hospital, Olusegun Olisa, said the outreach entailed a free health talk, doctor’s consultation and treatment.

Olisa, who is a Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, stated that the choice of the elderly is to bridge the gap of easy access to health care for them.

According to him, the hospital’s geriatric unit which will provide emergency lines for the old people will be launched afterwards.

“All they have to do is register with N500. Even if they are at home and they have any problem, they can call the number we are going to give to them and the ambulance will go and pick them.

“If there is a need for us to treat them at home, we will do that. If there is a need for us to bring them to the hospital, we will bring them for admission,” the MD said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mercy Ukueje expressed gratitude to the organisers of the free medical outreach.

“It was announced in the community that there will be free medical treatment. That’s why I came. My sugar level was tested. They gave me medicines, all free. I thank God for the project. And I thank the organisers. People should come here and be sure to be well treated,” Ukueje said.