The Ogun State Muslim Council has launched a quarterly medical outreach programme aimed at promoting healthy living and preventive healthcare among Muslims in the state. The maiden edition, held at Oke-Oyinbo Primary Health Centre in Ijebu-Ode on September 20, provided free healthcare services to over 500 people. The programme, organised by the council's Ijebu Zone, is expected to rotate among the four zones of the council.
Representing the President-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, the Vice-President-General for Ijebu Zone, Otunba Fatai Arowolo, emphasised the importance of good health in human life. He described good health as an essential aspect of human existence, and a blessing and trust from Allah. Arowolo noted that poor health could undermine an individual's ability to participate fully in daily activities and acts of worship.
The initiative aims to foster a physically vibrant, strong, and healthy Muslim community across Ogun State. The President-General expressed appreciation to philanthropists, medical professionals, partners, and volunteers who contributed to the programme's success. He urged Muslims to take advantage of the outreach to monitor their health status and adopt preventive healthcare practices.
The Secretary-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Asiwaju Kamaldeen Akintunde, said the programme was designed to build a vibrant and healthy Muslim community capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria. Akintunde stressed the importance of early detection of diseases and preventive healthcare practices.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Alhaji Waheed Qadri, said the medical outreach demonstrated the council's commitment to the welfare and development of the Muslim Ummah and the wider society. The programme provided free basic healthcare services, including medical consultations, health screening, eye and dental services, laboratory investigations, medication, and health education.
The programme's sustainability will depend on continued collaboration, resource mobilisation, accountability, and improvement from one edition to another. The State Chairman of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ibraheem Ope-ewe, pledged the association's continued participation in the programme and urged members of the public to undergo regular medical check-ups.
The outreach provided an opportunity for beneficiaries to receive medical attention for conditions requiring specialised care. Beneficiaries commended the medical personnel for their prompt response and thanked the organisers for the initiative. The programme ended with the presentation of certificates to members of the planning committee and medical personnel in recognition of their contributions.
Key points
- Over 500 people benefited from the free healthcare services during the maiden edition of the medical outreach programme.
- The programme aims to promote preventive healthcare and encourage early detection of health conditions among members of the communities.
- The medical outreach programme is expected to rotate among the four zones of the Ogun State Muslim Council.
