The Association of Rural Surgical Practitioners of Nigeria (ARSPON) has successfully conducted a three-day free surgical outreach in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, providing life-changing medical interventions to more than 100 underprivileged residents.
The outreach, held at Ireti-Olu Hospital, Apake, from July 17 to 19, formed part of the association’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare for underserved communities. Beneficiaries included adults and children suffering from various surgical conditions.
The programme featured free hernia screening and surgeries, lump excisions, and health education sessions aimed at promoting early detection and treatment of common surgical ailments.
Speaking at the event, ARSPON National President, Professor Oyebola Adekola, expressed satisfaction with the success of the outreach, reaffirming the association’s dedication to humanitarian service.
She noted that many beneficiaries, who would otherwise have been unable to afford medical treatment, received quality surgical care at no cost. She also urged members of the association to remain steadfast in their commitment to improving healthcare delivery in rural communities.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Coordinator of ARSPON, Dr. G.S. Ogunsina, said the outreach was designed to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable people at the grassroots.
According to him, many Nigerians live with treatable surgical conditions because they cannot afford the cost of medical care.
“The primary objective of this outreach is to assist people who lack access to healthcare services for various reasons. Many individuals are silently living with serious medical conditions simply because they cannot afford treatment. We call on government, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support this initiative to ensure its sustainability,” he said.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III, represented by members of the Soun-in-Council, commended ARSPON for the humanitarian initiative and appealed to other organisations and philanthropists to complement government efforts by supporting healthcare programmes for the less privileged.
Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to ARSPON and its medical team, describing the free surgeries as a timely intervention that had relieved them of years of pain and financial burden.