The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu, on Wednesday, unveiled a four-day free medical outreach at the Oba of Benin Palace, in collaboration with UBTH and the Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide.
The free medical outreach programme, tagged, ‘Pre-Igue festival medical outreach” aims to alleviate the healthcare burden on Edo residents.
Speaking at the official flag off ceremony in Benin, Ize-Iyamu said that the outreach demonstrates a deep concern for the well-being of Edo people and the Benin Kingdom.
She noted that quality healthcare should extend beyond hospital walls to alleviate both ailments and financial strain on patients.
Ize-Iyamu reaffirmed UBTH’s commitment to supporting the people and the kingdom as 3,000 are expected to benefit in the medical outreach.
She appreciates His Royal Majesty’s magnanimity in granting the privilege to carry out the medical outreach within the revered environment of His Royal Majesty’s palace. This singular gesture reflects unwavering concern for the wellbeing of His Royal Majesty’s people and continuous support for initiatives that promote health, unity, and progress in the kingdom
“This medical outreach is part of UBTH’s Corporate Social Responsibility to the community that has continuously supported us over the years. As a tertiary healthcare institution, we believe that quality healthcare should not only remain within hospital walls but should be taken directly to the people, especially to those who may not easily access care due to financial, geographic, or social challenges,” Ize-Iyamu said.
Secretary of Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor expressed appreciation to the UBTH CMD for taking up the initiative, saying the palace is in support and approved the free medical outreach to benefit the people.
President of Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, Osaro Culture Iyamu equally commended the UBTH for the support in making the free medical outreach a reality.
Chief Sunday Agho offered prayers for the UBTH management for providing the free medical outreach to the people in Edo State ahead of the annual Igue Festival.
Earlier, Dr. Philip Osho, DCMAC UBTH. said the four days event has attracted numerous patients and is expected to provide services to about 3000 in the coming days.
He appreciated medical professionals from UBTH involved in the free medical outreach, adding that ailments handled at the free medical outreach include, malaria, diabetes, hypertension, ophthalmology examinations, and dental conditions, among others.