The immortal sentiments of Indian Civil rights Champion and fearless leader of the independence movement, Mahatma Mohandas Ghadhi as regards health were “it is health that is the real wealth and not gold and silver”
The much publicized free health care initiative; the love child of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (Represented by her College of Medicine) and Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti kicked off on Monday, 30th January, 2017 at the premises of Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti with a truckload of patients trooping in each day into the health care facility to be beneficiaries of the unusual act of benevolence.
Clinical correspondents of Inside AMSA; Chiamaka Ibe, Olumide Obatuyi and Timi Raji on Friday (3rd February 2017- Day 5) caught up with various stakeholders to sample their opinions about the program. Here are extracts;
Dr. Alaba Omotola (MBBS Ibadan, FRCS Edinburgh), the Dean, Clinical Sciences College of Medicine and Health Sciences
On the purpose for the program:
“The free medical treatment was initiated following the report of the medical council when they came for the accreditation of our clinical courses. They were grossly unhappy with the number of patients in the Paediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynaecology department. They lamented that students cannot be trained proficiently under such a condition. Consequent upon that, the founder, Aare Afe Babalola decided to host this program to repopulate the hospital. So we hope that by reason of this program, awareness would be created for the hospital.”
On his view about the progress thus far: “So far we are still on the first stage of the program and it is really exciting and worthwhile especially because it provides experiences for the medical students. They are being exposed to patients which could be considered part of their training. In addition, I am impressed with the turn out of the patients and with the way the program has been progressing since the first day we started. I am highly optimistic that it would achieve its aim especially when the second stage of the program commences. This is because in the second stage, further tests, treatments and even surgical interventions would be carried out on the patients. I strongly believe the patients will appreciate it more thereby causing the hospital to flourish once again provided the tempo is maintained by the management of the hospital. Currently, plans are being made towards the financial implication of these procedures.’’
Dr. Kunle Olumodeji, Senior Registrar, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
“I think it’s good we’re doing something. Patients are able to access drugs free of charge. We can treat single ailments like malaria, upper respiratory tract infection and so on. But unfortunately, I don’t think the program has achieved its aim as regards solving chronic and surgical problems.”
Dr Steve Adeseko, Intern, Alma Mater University of Ibadan
“I think it has been a very wonderful program. Looking at the current economic situation, the health seeking behaviour of the patients has really been affected. Many people are sick out there, but when they think about the cost of coming to see a doctor, getting drugs, and all that, they prefer to die at home. This is really an eye-opener. For instance, the number of patients we’ve seen in the paediatric centre is quite enormous. I think this program is going to improve their health seeking behaviour. I’d want this to be done again, if possible quarterly.”
Mrs Osibodu, Retired Registered Nurse and Matron, ABUAD Medical Complex, FETHI.
On whether She’d like a repeat of the program: “No problem because from the look of things, many of the people we’ve seen so far are on the low income side and many have ailments that they’ve been covering up or managing in one way or the other without positive results and have kept to themselves. Those with Chronic ailments have either defaulted in their clinic visits or drug regimens. Now that they not they can come here and get some of those drugs for free, they’re very happy because it’s a burden lifted off them.
“We saw a young man, known Diabetic patient who told us he was unemployed and without funds for treatment. He has been admitted at the Accident and Emergency ward now
Agbadaola Olugbenga Francis, ABUAD Medical Complex admin officer
“On Monday I went home with a cracked voice (laughs). I got home I had to take lime and warm water. As an admin officer, I’ve been involved in coordinating the patients, students and even the doctors. I’m still recovering my voice.”
Phlebotomist Osariemen, Laboratory operative
On her challenges: “We’re running tests. At this point (a shade) we’re doing Hepatitis B screening, we started on Wednesday but we don’t know if the vaccines are available for the patients. That’s the major challenge because what’s the essence of screening without the next step so that those who know their status can know what’s next. Those negative can go for their vaccines or those positive can go for further tests and treatments”
On whether she’s enjoying the program: “It’s cool. It’s organized. But the fact that they keep giving me moi moi and snacks every day I don’t understand (laughs). The food should be alternated. But today is good now we’re having rice and drink after a hectic day (laughs)”.
Mrs. Alake Sayo, Community Health Technician
‘’The program is a wonderful one even as a staff, I have benefited because one of my relatives is being attended to in this program. I love the way it was structured and organised .I am excited about the turn out of the patients although the number reduces by the day. May God bless all the organizers of this program.’’
Farouk Oladipo, 500L student (President, AMSA):
On what he has learnt during the program: “I’ve been amazed at with the way people have incorporated alcohol in their lifestyle. I also have been shocked to see people with obvious long term health problems, some as long as 15 years and have stayed home due to financial constraints. Perhaps the most surprising of all is the fact a very good percentage of people have actually come for check-ups. I never realized that that culture was common around here”
Seun Adelugba, Medical student, 500level student
“I think it is a nice philanthropic effort by the school to actually reach out to the patients and increase the patient load of the hospital.”
Ruth Otu, 500level student
On her view about the program generally: ’’Well, I really do feel the program is not a waste of time owning to the fact that the program provides an avenue to help a lot of patients. Asides that, a good number of patients are being referred to the hospital daily which of course would help with the patient load of the hospital. However, the program is really strenuous but what can we do other than being a part of it.”
On what she has learnt so far: “It’s really funny but sincerely, it was during the course of this program that I learnt to use the digital thermometer and a glucometer .More so, the program has opened my eyes to the fact that a huge number of people are moving around with different problems.”
Charles Okeke, 400La Course Representative.
On his personal experience during the program: “I’ve been able to gain some clinical skills. For instance, prior to this time, I had never done a phlebotomy but during the course of this program, I’ve so far been able to perform phlebotomy on a least 5 patients”
On whether he’d like for the program to be repeated sometime in the future: “Yes I think it’s a very good initiative because not only are we (Medical students) learning but we get to impact society positively”
Mr Gabriel Olajide, Security Personnel, FETHI
His opinion of the program: “Actually this program is very good. You realize that many people who don’t have enough money to take care themselves and live normal lives benefit from this program and we’re praying for the Chief Director of this program that may be Lord Almighty continue to be with them. We appreciate those that participated, all the doctors, pharmacists and others too”
On whether there had been such a program and turn out before: “I’ve been in this job for about 6 years now and I have not seen kind of crowd here before. Since the time the program started, people that benefited have been up to 1000 till date”
Tobi Arowolo, Patient’s relative.
His opinion of the program: “I can say it’s very beautiful because it’s free (laughs) so everybody can enjoy it whether or not they have money to pay”
On what he’d say if he met Aare Afe Babalola: “I don’t have anything to say than thank you”
Mrs. Martina Omu, a patient
‘’It is a very good one. I feel good that my child and I can have drugs for free with medical tests conducted on us for free as well and still be attended to greatly by the doctors. I want to say a very big thank you to Aare Afe Babalola and the other organizers of this program. It has been of great help to our families and the community at large.’’
The curtains would be drawn on what has been nothing short of an amazing experience for the various participants on Friday, 10th February 2017 after 10 working days.
Well done Editorial team.