Oluwagbemiga Toye
Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, on Monday led members of the National Assembly from Ekiti State and Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to flag -off a statewide free medical outreach designed to expand access to healthcare services for residents across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Bamidele said the initiative was part of efforts by Ekiti federal lawmakers to complement the state government’s healthcare programmes and directly improve the wellbeing of citizens. He noted that the outreach would provide immediate medical attention to thousands of residents, especially those in underserved communities.
The Senate Leader explained that beneficiaries would receive free medical consultations, diagnostic screenings, essential drugs, eyeglasses and treatment support for different ailments. He added that patients diagnosed with serious health conditions would be referred to Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital where the state government would foot the bills.
Bamidele assured residents that the exercise would go beyond the launch ceremony, stressing that medical teams had been mobilised to visit towns and communities across Ekiti to ensure no part of the state was left out. He urged the people to make use of the programme while it lasts.
He also commended Governor Oyebanji for sustaining reforms in the health sector and for working closely with members of the National Assembly to improve service delivery. According to him, the collaboration between federal lawmakers and the state government has strengthened development efforts in key sectors.
Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks, appreciated Bamidele and other National Assembly members for their support, intervention and partnership. He disclosed that lawmakers contribute about ₦1 billion annually toward the payment of medical personnel, a gesture he said has helped the state achieve notable progress in healthcare delivery.
The governor added that children under five years, pregnant women and persons with disabilities are already benefiting from free healthcare programmes of his administration. He said the partnership with lawmakers would further strengthen access to affordable and efficient healthcare delivery across the state.
In her welcome address, the Managing Director of Rovalroche Hathaway Company limited, Princess Seye Babatunde said the outreach reflects a strong commitment to healthcare delivery and the dignity of citizens. She noted that the programme was carefully structured to provide treatment, relief and hope, particularly for vulnerable residents who may lack access to quality health services.
In a goodwill message the governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani praised Bamidele for providing leadership that unites federal lawmakers behind people-centred programmes in Ekiti. He said the outreach reflects the understanding that health is wealth and commended ongoing investments in the sector.
Stakeholders at the event described the outreach as another demonstration of Bamidele’s commitment to grassroots impact and responsive leadership. They expressed optimism that the programme would bring relief to thousands of families while further improving healthcare access across Ekiti State.
Dignitaries at the flag off include; former governor of Ekiti state, Adeniyi ADEBAYO, governor of Kaduna State, Senator UBA Sani, senator Cyril Fasuyi representing Ekiti North District, Senator YEMI Adaramodu representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, and the six House of Representatives members among others .
