By Raphael Okhiria
The Edo State University Uzairue Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) in collaboration with the Edo State University Uzairue has flagged off a three day free medical outreach for children between the ages of 0 -10 years.
The free medical outreach, is part of the week-long activities marking the 5th convocation ceremony of the university.
Declaring the event open, the Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq, said the health and well-being of our children are of utmost importance to us.
The HOS who was represented by the Chairperson of Medical Association of Nigeria Edo State branch, Dr. Mrs. Ndoka Imoisili also stated that it is our responsibility as a community to ensure that every child has access to the quality healthcare they deserve.
“We are aware that many children in our community face various health challenges due to financial constraints or lack of medical facilities, hence, the objective of this medical outreach is to bridge the gap and provide medical services to those who need it the most”.
He said the free medical outreach will focus on providing essential healthcare services, screening, diagnosis, treatment and heath education to children in our community as the team of experienced doctors, nurses and volunteers will work tirelessly to ensure that the children received the best possible care.
He expressed his gratitude to the university for their collaboration and support saying the partnership would strengthen and widens the reach by allowing to serve at a greater number of children.
He also expressed appreciation to all the healthcare professionals and volunteers who have dedicated their time, skills and efforts to make the medical outreach a reality.
He however called on the parents to use the opportunity to bring their children for the free medical services saying their participation will not only contribute to the children’s well-being but will also reinforce the vision of prioritizing the health of the community future leaders.
Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor of the university Engr Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor said the 3 day free medical outreach for children by the university is part of the university Corporate Social Responsibility.
The VC expressed his gratitude to the state governor Mr Godwin Obaseki for his wisdom in handing the hospital over to the university to use as a Teaching Hospital facility.
He said the 3 day medical outreach will provide a platform for the children to receive comprehensive medical care, preventive measures and intervention in making sure that every child regardless of circumstances or background has the opportunity to grow, thrive and reach their full potential.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Edo State University Uzairue Teaching Hospital, Prof. Idogun E. S said it has always been the interest of the Vice Chancellor to see to the medical needs of children below 10 years of age through an outreach program.
He said before the taking over of the hospital by the university, there was no defined unit or department of the hospital for the treatment of children as they were treated in adult’s clinic by adult doctors but have built paediatric complex where children are treated by trained paediatrician.
The CMD equally said the hospital now has a baby care unit which is very active in the management of new born’s problems, the unit is equipped with incubator, phototherapy, resuscitator, exchange blood transfusion, nebulizer and all other critical care equipment that are needed for the treatment of very slick babies.
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