Kwara State Government Flags Off 2025 Free Medical Surgical Outreach

The Kwara State government has embarked on another edition of its annual free medical surgical outreach, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare and achieving universal health coverage for its citizens. The 2025 edition was flagged off at the Aisha Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in Eyekorin, Asa local government area, with the Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, performing the ceremony on behalf of the state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. This initiative, driven by the Ministry of Health, is expected to provide a wide range of free medical and surgical services to hundreds of beneficiaries across the state.

Key Takeaways:

• The free medical surgical outreach is an annual initiative to improve access to quality healthcare and achieve universal health coverage for Kwara State citizens.
• The 2025 edition was flagged off at the Aisha Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in Eyekorin, Asa local government area.
• The program is driven by the Ministry of Health through the Directorate of Medical Services and Training, under the leadership of Dr. Musiliu Odunaiya.
• Few states in Nigeria offer such a widespread, grassroots-level free healthcare initiative, equivalent to thousands of naira in private hospital costs.
• The program aims to provide free medical and surgical services to hundreds of beneficiaries across the state.
• The administration's commitment to inclusive healthcare is highlighted through this program, which has been commended during the 2024 National Council on Health meeting.
• Citizens, especially pregnant women, are advised to utilize health facilities regularly and attend antenatal clinics at least four times before delivery.
• Pregnant women are cautioned against patronising traditional birth attendants, emphasizing the importance of skilled and professional care.

Statistics:

• The program aims to provide free medical and surgical services to hundreds of beneficiaries across the state
• The outreach is commended as a government initiative that reflects the administration's commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations
• Private hospital treatment costs for the same services could be as high as N500,000
• The program is part of ongoing efforts to improve access to quality healthcare and achieve universal health coverage
• The initiative is driven by the Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Medical Services and Training

Sources:

• The Kwara State Government's official announcement, Thursday, 2024 edition of the free medical surgical outreach was unknown.