OAU Medical Students Provide Free Healthcare Services in Ifewara Community

In a commendable effort to bridge the gap in healthcare access, the Ifumsa Health Awareness Club, a prominent arm of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Medical Students Association, delivered free medical services to residents of Ifewara, a town in Osun State, on Saturday. This initiative is part of the club's annual community outreach program, which focuses on providing essential medical care to underserved populations.

This year’s outreach, known as the “Village Outreach,” took place at the Ifewara Town Hall in the Atakunmosa Local Government Area. The event saw a large turnout of residents who benefited from a wide range of free medical services. The medical team, composed of student volunteers and professional mentors, conducted day-case surgeries, including lipoma excisions and hernia repairs. In addition, the outreach offered health education sessions, free medications, and consultations for all attendees.

The scope of services extended further to dental checkups, eye care with free lens prescriptions from ophthalmologists, and a series of health screenings. These screenings included HIV and Hepatitis B testing, blood sugar monitoring, body mass index assessments, urinalysis, and malaria parasite tests for children. The comprehensive care provided at the event highlighted the commitment of the medical students to improving public health in rural areas.

The Chairperson of the Ifumsa Health Awareness Club, Baruwa Tawakalt, a final-year medical student at Obafemi Awolowo University, expressed her satisfaction with the success of this year’s outreach. “It brings me immense joy to see the impact we are making in communities like Ifewara. This event is a testament to the dedication of our members, and I encourage them to continue the good work of the club,” Tawakalt said.

The Village Outreach program is a reflection of the club’s long-standing tradition of community service, emphasizing the importance of access to quality healthcare for all, particularly in rural areas. As the program continues to grow, it not only addresses immediate health concerns but also promotes long-term well-being through education and preventive care.

Source: PUNCH