THE HOUSE OFFICERS FORUM PROVIDES FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH SERVICES TO VULNERABLE CITIZENS IN KOGI

The House Officers Forum (HO Forum) at the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL) recently provided free medical services to over 100 underprivileged individuals from Adankolo market in Lokoja, Kogi State. During this outreach initiative, the forum not only offered medical treatments but also educated the community on various health conditions, proper medication usage, personal health care, and hygiene practices to prevent communicable diseases. Dr. Olatunde Alabi, the Chief Medical Director of FTHL, commended the HO Forum for their dedication to assisting those in need and highlighted the hospital management's strong support for such initiatives. Represented by Dr. Ojochide Ebune, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Alabi emphasized the program's significant impact on enhancing the health of beneficiaries who face financial constraints in accessing healthcare services. Dr. Alabi encouraged the community to actively participate in future medical outreaches and prioritize their health through regular screenings, exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and adequate rest. He underscored the importance of preventive healthcare, stating that it is more cost-effective than treatment. He assured the public of FTHL's commitment to maintaining high-quality healthcare services and emphasized the hospital's role as the most equipped, effective, accessible, and affordable tertiary health institution in the state. Dr. Kenneth Nwafor, the House Officer’s Representative at FTHL, noted that the medical outreach was part of the HO Forum's activities during their 2024 Week, aimed at giving back to society. He highlighted that the forum, supported by FTHL management, had also conducted awareness campaigns on World Blood Donor Day and sensitized the public on health challenges and best practices. Nwafor expressed gratitude for FTHL's support, which enabled the successful outreach that exceeded their target of 100 beneficiaries. He also appreciated the community's participation and emphasized the importance of continuing such initiatives. Some of the beneficiaries in the persons of Rekiyat Ibrahim, Hasiya Isa, Salman Ismaila, and Samuel Ariyo, expressed their appreciation to the HO Forum for improving their health and well-being through this compassionate outreach effort.