Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele,has expressed deep concern over the continued loss of lives in Nigeria due to treatable diseases, a crisis he attributes to poverty and limited access to quality healthcare. Speaking in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, Bamidele underscored the need for an improved primary healthcare system to reduce the country’s high mortality rate.
Represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Bunmi Oguntuase, during the conclusion of the second phase of his free medical outreach program, Bamidele made a compelling case for governors to prioritize the health needs of rural populations, where more than 70 percent of Nigerians live. He called on state leaders to invest more in primary healthcare, which is the most accessible form of medical attention for the poorest communities.
The outreach, which spanned five local government areas in the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, has so far benefitted 9,400 individuals in this second phase, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 16,000 after the first phase, which served 6,600 constituents. The initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Industrial Arbitration Panel, provided free medical services, including diagnoses and treatments for conditions such as hepatitis, hypertension, visual impairments, diabetes, and hernia. Eyeglasses were also distributed to those suffering from various vision problems.
In his address, Bamidele lamented the poor access to healthcare that many Nigerians face, hindering the nation’s progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage. He urged governors to ensure that healthcare services are accessible to those in the grassroots, adding that his outreach was aimed at providing relief to those unable to afford medical care. “Most of the beneficiaries had been living with these illnesses for years, but today, they have received the necessary treatment. Those with chronic conditions have been referred to better hospitals, and we are ready to support their medical bills,” Bamidele said.
The Senator pledged that the free medical outreach would continue to provide essential healthcare services to his constituents, offering a safety net for the most vulnerable members of his community.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, commended Bamidele for his unwavering commitment to the development of Ekiti State, noting that his efforts have significantly improved infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the region.
The monarch also highlighted the strong partnership between Bamidele and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, which has contributed to the state’s overall growth, particularly in human capital development.
