Lagos State has once again demonstrated its
commitment to providing accessible healthcare with its Free Limb Deformity
Corrective Surgery and Rehabilitation Programme. This initiative, which targets
children with lower limb deformities, recently saw 50 beneficiaries receive
life-changing surgical interventions at the Gbagada General Hospital.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry
of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye during a visit to the hospital to meet with the
latest beneficiaries of the programme revealed that the 50 beneficiaries were
among the 213 individuals screened in this latest phase, with many of the
patients being children who had endured significant challenges due to their
conditions.
“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”, Dr. Ogboye explained.
He emphasised that the state government initiated
this intervention to reduce the physical and emotional burden on affected
children and their families, aiming to restore the children’s ability to
function normally in society. “The programme is designed to tackle deformities
such as bow legs and clubfoot, which if left untreated, could hinder the
ability of children to walk or live independently”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary stated that the most recent
phase of the programme began with a screening exercise at Lagos University
Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where a team of specialists evaluated the patients.
“Those who qualified were subsequently booked for surgery at the Gbagada
General Hospital. In addition to surgery, beneficiaries were provided with
physiotherapy, nutrition counseling, health education, and assistive mobility
devices to ensure a comprehensive recovery”, he added.
Dr. Ogboye further emphasised that the
outreach-style approach of the programme helps reach children who might
otherwise be on long waiting lists for surgery. “We gather patients from all
our health facilities, screen them, and if they are fit for surgery, they are
booked for the procedure. We’ve been doing this since 2007, and the results
have been overwhelmingly positive”, Ogboye said.
Reflecting on the successes of the programme, Dr.
Ogboye said, “Over the years, this initiative has led to significantly improved
health outcomes for the children. The recent surgical interventions reinforce
the Lagos State Government’s dedication to its Health and Environment mandate
under the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda”.
He added that the State Government’s free medical
intervention reach goes beyond limb deformities, encompassing other initiatives
such as eye surgeries for corneal and cataract conditions, ear surgeries, and
the provision of hearing aids and prosthetics for amputees. "This holistic
approach ensures that we tackle various disabilities and improve the quality of
life for numerous individuals across the state", Ogboye explained.
Coordinator of the Free Limb Deformity Corrective
Surgery Programme, Dr. Tolulope Ajomale praised the present administration’s
efforts which have been instrumental in ensuring the continued success of this
programme. “With the support of Governor Babajide Sawo-Olu, we are targeting
1,000 free surgeries over the next few years", he stated.
Dr. Ajomale also highlighted the importance of such
interventions for underserved populations, adding that many families cannot
afford the high cost of corrective surgeries. “This programme not only provides
healthcare but also restores hope to children and their families,” he said.
Ajomale reiterated that the surgeries also help the state gather data for
future disability intervention strategies, ensuring that those in need can
continue receiving the care they require.
Highlighting the social implications of the
intervention, Dr. Ajomale noted that children who previously struggled with
mobility and pain can now pursue their education and future ambitions without
hindrance. “Imagine the impact of correcting these deformities – it opens up a
world of possibilities for the children, allowing them to fully participate in
school and other activities”, he said.
As a significant partner in the initiative, Gbagada
General Hospital has played a crucial role in hosting the surgeries and
ensuring the smooth running of the programme. The Medical Director of the
Hospital, Dr. Olusegun Babafemi expressed the hospital's pride in being part of
the life-changing programme. “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. Babafemi also reiterated that for families
unable to afford immediate surgery, the state’s annual free corrective surgery
initiative remains an available option. He stressed that the government covers
all the costs, ensuring that no child is left without the care they need.
The state government’s continued efforts to improve
healthcare access for underserved populations remain a testament to Lagos'
commitment to a healthier, more inclusive society. The ongoing Free Limb
Deformity Corrective Surgery Programme serves as a beacon of hope for children
and families in need.