The Lagos State Government has initiated a groundbreaking program providing free corrective surgeries and comprehensive rehabilitation for 50 children suffering from lower limb deformities.
This life-changing initiative seeks to alleviate the physical and emotional burdens faced by these children and their families, empowering them to lead normal lives and integrate seamlessly into society.
Since its inception in 2007, the program has transformed the lives of over 6,000 children, primarily focusing on debilitating conditions such as bow legs and clubfoot that severely impede mobility.
The latest phase of the program commenced with rigorous screenings at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, followed by surgeries at the Gbagada General Hospital, complemented by physiotherapy sessions, nutrition counseling, and the provision of mobility aids.
Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to enhancing health outcomes and supporting individuals with disabilities, highlighting that the 50 beneficiaries were carefully selected from a pool of 213 applicants.
He said, “The programme started in 2007 as a medical assistance initiative for children with lower limb deformities that impede normal growth and function. Since then, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary outreach, reaching over 6,000 beneficiaries to date.”
The programme, according to Dr. Ogboye, is in perfect alignment with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S.
Plus Agenda, and is complemented by other free medical interventions such as eye and ear surgeries, further solidifying the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
Programme Coordinator, Dr. Tolulope Ajomale, emphasized the profound impact of these surgeries in bringing hope and significantly enhancing the quality of life for underserved populations.
Gbagada General Hospital has played a pivotal role in the programme’s success, and its Medical Director, Dr. Olusegun Babafemi, expressed immense pride in the hospital’s involvement in this life-changing initiative, which has made a tangible difference in the lives of numerous individuals.
“We have partnered with the Ministry of Health for several years now, and it has been a privilege to witness the joy this programme brings to vulnerable families,” he said.
Babafemi encouraged parents to seek medical attention as soon as they notice signs of limb deformity in their children.
“Immediate intervention can prevent more severe complications. We advise families to visit any of the 30 general hospitals in Lagos, where they can be referred to appropriate facilities for care,” he added.
Dr. Olusegun Babafemi, Medical Director of Gbagada General Hospital, reassured that families who cannot afford immediate surgery have the opportunity to benefit from the state’s annual free corrective surgery program, which provides a safety net for those in need.
He emphasized that the government bears all the expenses, guaranteeing that no child is denied the necessary care due to financial constraints, ensuring equal access to life-changing treatment.
