Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has flagged off the Free Health Mission of his administration on Monday 16th March 2020.
The aim of the Free Health Mission scheme which was flagged off at Local Authority Primary School, Agede, Kisi, Irepo Local Government Area, according to Governor Seyi Makinde, is to ensure that poor and vulnerable people in Oyo State have access to medical care.
The Governor speaking at the ceremony on Monday afternoon, said the Free Health Mission will include free surgical operations and other free medical examinations, such as; blood pressure tests, HIV test with free drugs, hernia, lipoma, sebaceous cyst, breast lumps etc.
While appreciating the people for their support, he said:
“Our plan for this Free Health Mission is to treat people with different ailments who may not go to hospitals, including the Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) in their communities, and educate them on how to prevent diseases associated with personal hygiene, cleanliness and refuse disposal.
We will also continue with rehabilitation of PHCs across Oyo State to ensure they are all functional so that they can serve every resident of the state. Our administration has short, medium and long-term plans for healthcare in Oyo State,” he said.
The Governor stated further, explained the short term, medium and long term goals of the Mission, saying that:
“In the short-term, we will carry out quarterly free health missions targeting the poor as a quick way of reaching the underserved with medical care and also creating awareness for the PHCs. Free three months’ medication will be given to hypertensive and diabetic patients diagnosed from today.
In the medium-term, we will roll out free medical care for pensioners, widows, people living with disabilities, senior citizens and children under the age of five. This will be implemented at the Primary Heath Care Centres.
In the long-term, we will advocate for as many as possible to subscribe to the Health Insurance Scheme, targeting public and private sector workers in both the formal and informal sectors,” he added.