— Organises free medical outreach for 1, 000 residents

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Oba Micah and Olori Moronke Ajijo Foundation, has donated drugs, medical supplies and a state-of-the-art 4D ultrasound Doppler machine,
to medical facilities in lgbokoda, in the oil rich Ilaje council area of Ondo State, in a bid to boost health care delivery in the community.

Speaking during the presentation of the health equipment, drugs and other supplies, the Director of the Basic Primary Health Care Centre, in Igbokoda, Dr. Oluwalominu Ayeilaje, described the intervention as a significant step toward strengthening primary healthcare services in the area.

Ayeilaje said the gesture would improve diagnostic capacity and enhance the quality of care available to residents.

According to him “This generous donation is a significant intervention that will strengthen our diagnostic capacity and enhance the quality of care available to our people. This scan machine has really helped the community and the hospital as a whole.

“Recently, the number of antenatal patients we see has increased significantly since the scan was introduced. At every antenatal booking, we attend close to 40 to 50 patients for scans.

“Pregnant women can now clearly see their babies. They can check the baby’s position, the placenta location, and the images are very clear.

” The scan has helped us detect pregnancy complications such as abnormal placenta positions that could pose danger to both mother and baby.

“With this scan, we can manage patients better and make early referrals when necessary. It has also been very helpful in emergencies.

” For example, if a patient comes in bleeding and requires emergency surgery or referral, the scan helps us make a prompt diagnosis and take appropriate action.

“The machine has increased community confidence in the hospital. Many women who previously relied on traditional birth attendants now come to the hospital because they know we can properly assess their pregnancies.

” We can detect complications such as placenta previa and ectopic pregnancy at an early stage, which helps us plan management effectively.

“Previously, patients had to travel to other centres for detailed scans. Now, this machine has reduced unnecessary referrals and long-distance travel.

” It can detect conditions like hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and other foetal abnormalities early, allowing us to plan timely referrals and interventions”

“In summary, this scan machine has greatly improved healthcare delivery in our community. We sincerely thank the Foundation for partnering with us to improve the quality of healthcare for our people.

A Senior Medical Officer and Sonographer at the General Hospital, Dr. Sola Ogayemi, while commending the Foundation for its sustained commitment towards the community wellbeing, said the high-tech machine provides real-time imaging and detailed evaluation of blood flow and organ function, thereby enhancing the hospital’s ability to manage high-risk pregnancies and detect congenital and cardiovascular conditions early.

Ogayemi said that the availability of the machine has reduced the need for patients to travel long distances to urban centres for specialised scans — a situation that previously imposed financial and logistical burdens on families.

“Since the installation of the new machine, residents can now access quality diagnostic services within their community timely diagnosis has contributed to improved maternal and infant health outcomes.

Appreciating the donor, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Victoria Omosaye, said the challenging riverine terrain of Ilaje Local Government Area often restricts residents’ access to advanced medical services.

Omosaye said that many communities in the area are separated by water, making transportation to major hospitals both difficult and expensive.

According to her, “before the installation of the 4D ultrasound Doppler machine at the General Hospital, patients who required specialised scans had to travel to larger towns and cities, a journey that sometimes involved hours on boats and road trips.

She noted that the cost of transportation, accommodation and medical bills placed enormous strain on families, particularly pregnant women and low-income earners.

Omosaye noted that the availability of the equipment within the community would not only save lives through early diagnosis and timely treatment but would also ease financial and emotional hardship for residents.

She described the intervention as a life-changing development for families in the riverine area.

The Oba Micah and Olori Moronke Ajijo Foundation, donated the 4D Doppler ultrasound machine to the Ondo State General Hospital, Igbokoda, and organised a free medical outreach where about 1,000 residents received free consultations, medications and minor medical procedures.

Stakeholders in the community have urged other individuals and organisations to emulate the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts in strengthening public healthcare institutions across the state.