A total of over 1,000 patients are expected to be given free medical treatment in the maiden medical mission of the National Council of Nigeria Muslim Organisations, USA in collaboration with Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association in Ile-Ife and its environs in Osun State from April 13 to 16.
A statement by the organisers, signed by Abdulfattah Olanlege (UNIFEMGA) and Dr. Musodiq Bello (NCNMO), said the programme has started on March 30 with eye screening for over 220 patients in preparation for 45 cataract surgeries during the period.
The statement added that a five-member NCNMO, led by Dr. Fatai Ilupeju, an anaesthesiologist in Westwood, Massachusetts, affiliated with Boston Medical Centre, will work alongside UNIFEMGA team led by Dr. Fatimat Akinlusi, a Consultant Gynaecologist, and other volunteers to provide free medical services to people in Ile-Ife and its environs.
The mission will be declared open at OAU Health Centre by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eyitayo Ogunbodede, with additional speeches by Alhaji Waheed Odeyimka, UNIFEMGA National President, and Prof. Abubakar Sanusi, medical doctor and Imam of OAU Mosque.
Other expected guests include Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, SSA to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora; and Chairman BOT of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti.
Other highlights of the programme include health talks, cataract surgeries, dental clinics and general medical check ups.
It will be recalled that the medical mission was an offshoot of the collaboration between the NCNMO and UNIFEMGA during 2018 reunion of UNIFEMGA in Ile Ife, where Hon. Dabiri-Erewa gave the keynote address.
The collaborative relationship between NCNMO and UNIFEMGA centres on three areas of common interests, namely health, family matters and education.
NCNMO is a council of 28 Nigerian Muslim organizations, while UNIFEMGA is the body of Muslim Graduates from Obafemi Awolowo University.