The ongoing free grassroots medical outreach organized by the O5 Initiative, a pet project of the wife of the Delta State governor, Dame Edith Okowa, has reached about 1321 Deltans who ordinarily may have not been able to access health care due to cost.
Wife of the State governor, made the disclosure on Wednesday October 13th 2021, during the flag off ceremony of the free grassroots medical outreach which coincided with the 2021 World Sight Day, at the Central Hospital, Oleh, Isoko south local government area of the State.
“Last week, we commenced with Delta Central where we recorded a large turnout; over 1000 patients were seen. 108 surgeries were done, 537 glasses given and 676 eye drops dispensed. We are now in Delta South (Oleh)”.
She disclosed that the team would move to Asaba, Delta north senatorial district where other Deltans would be attended to, “Next week, the train will be in Delta North (Asaba) for the grand finale.
She assured that adequate preparations have been made for COVID-19 protocols to be observed, “Provision has been made for COVID 19 tests as well as free eye screening, surgery, distribution of free glasses and free medication.
“The need for every Deltan to be healthy and enjoy the benefit of the Prosperity Agenda is of utmost importance to this administration therefore I urge all and sundry to be part of this program”.
According to her, the essence is to raise awareness of visual impairment and give attention to proper care of the eyes because the eye is the light of the body.
“Blindness is a life threatening condition, it brings depression and hinders movement. Many persons suffer due to lack of affordable medical care, illiteracy and poverty. That is why we have brought this outreach to your doorstep in order to increase accessibility and remove the barrier of cost.
“In 2018, the O5 team went round the 25 LGAs where a total of 26,304 were attended to and we are still celebrating the testimonies from men, women and Children till now. For this phase, the O5 Initiative in partnership with Restore Sight Africa and the ministry of Health is focusing on the three Senatorial districts.
She thanked the Chairmen of the eight local government areas and the good people of Delta South for the large turnout, expressing hopeful that at the end of the visit, testimony would be “I was blind now I can see”.
She acknowledged Dr. Ernest Ogbedo and his Restore sight Africa team for the passion and commitment to this task, “you have done it before, I have the assurance that the Lord will use you again for the restoration of the sight of Deltans.
“I also wish to thank Dr. Ononye the Honourable Commissioner, medical personnel of the ministry of Health for assisting us, God bless you.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this is God’s project, be among those who will Change Our World One Person at a time.
It is now my honour to flag off the 2021 Free Grassroots Medical Outreach for Delta South to the glory of God”, she added.
The State Commissioner for health, Dr. Mordi Ononye commended the wife of the Governor for her strides while pledging the commitment of the ministry to the health of Deltans.
The Chairman, Isoko South LGA, Mr. Victor Asasa affirmed that “Service to humanity is service to God and Her Excellency has been so kind to the people and we are very grateful”.
Dr. Ogbedo, who spoke on the importance of the programme, said: “There is no state in Nigeria that does eye care in this magnitude and while we move about our daily activities even in our places of abode, we encounter beneficiaries whose stories have changed”.
