Rotary International in collaboration with Kwara State government has kicked off its 2013 two-week free medical surgery and treatment among the under-privileged  from various parts of the state.

Community News gathered that about 1,000 Kwara State indigenes would enjoy the free medical care in obstetric, gynaecology, general surgery, anaesthesia, pain clinic, urology, dental and paediatric surgery, among others.

Speaking during the kick-off ceremony at Sobi Specialist Hospital, Alagbado, Ilorin, the Rotary International District Governor D9125, Felix Obadan, said already, over 1,000 patients had been screened to determine the type of medical attention each needs.

He added that the medical needs of people were many.

Mr Obadan added that “the cost of seeking care and often times, the lack of equipment and expertise had condemned some members of our society to their fate.

“Over the next two weeks, we shall have the benefit of the selfless services of another multi-specialty medical team from India. We are hopeful that hundreds of patient would not only benefit from their skills and humanity, their Nigerian counterparts, doctors and paramedical staff would share experience and enhance their service delivery. We have procured drugs, supplies and equipment which would be handed over to the Sobi Specialist Hospital at the end of the mission.”

Also speaking, the state governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed said that hundreds of lives would be saved, while others with impaired conditions would fully recover from their health through the intervention.

Alhaji Ahmed, who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, said that “Rotary International’s resolve to collaborate with the state government to carry out free medical surgery is a welcome and timely intervention.”

“Free medical surgery we are kicking off is a critical complement to the state government’s strive for affordable and accessible health care delivery in the state.

“Indeed, my administration has since inception unveiled significant reforms in the health sector which are designed to enhance health care delivery systems and increase our people’s access to quality, affordable health care.

“Part of the enduring legacies in the health sector is the Community Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) under which we have registered more than 65,000 people and fulfilled more than 500,000 clinical requests for quality medical care. For just N300, enrollees enjoy free medical treatment for 12  months.”