Abiola Kolawole, Ibadan
A total of over 1000 patients are expected to be given free medical treatment in the maiden medical mission of the National Council of Nigeria Muslim Organisations USA (NCNMO) in collaboration with Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) in Ile-Ife and its environs from April 13 to 16.
In a statement by the organisers, Abdulfattah Olanlege (UNIFEMGA) and Dr Musodiq Bello (NCNMO) stated that the programme has started on March 30 with eye screening for 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 anesthesiologist in Westwood, Massachusetts affiliated with Boston Medical Centre will work alongside UNIFEMGA team led by Prof. Akeem O Lasisi, Consultant Otolaryngologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan and Chief Medical Director, LAUTECH TEACHING HOSPITAL OSOGBO 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, Chairman BOT of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti among others.
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. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave the keynote address.
The collaborative relationship between NCNMO and UNIFEMGA centred on three areas of common interest which include 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.
