The Orile-Agege General Hospital has organised a free back-to-school health outreach for school children between the ages of 5-15 years with the theme: “Back to School: Resume Healthy”, aimed at giving free access to full paediatrics evaluation, eye, ear, dental checks, nutrition/dietetics and social welfare services for all beneficiaries.
In his address, the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Sola Pitan said in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. PLUS agenda of the State government and the commitment to further bridge the gap between the orthodox healthcare system of the people in the various communities, Orile Agege General Hospital (OAGH) is organising a week-long free Back-to-School Health Outreach Programme for students in various Orile-Agege communities.
Pitan said, “The Back-to-School Health Outreach Programme is a health promotion avenue targeted at meeting the school-health needs of children within the community as they begin the 2023/2024 academic session to ensure a healthy life that enhances their learning during the school year.
“Children between the ages of 5 – 15 years will have access to full Paediatrics evaluation, Eye, Ear and Dental checks, and Nutrition/Dietetics and Social Welfare services free for all beneficiaries”, he added.
The Medical Director further disclosed that the Back-to-School Health screening, which is the second in the series, is integral to children’s development and well-being. The tests and checkups the students are given will help in detecting potential health problems and improve the overall health of every student as health screening helps reduce academic achievement gaps by lessening the impact of negative health behaviours.
In his keynote address, the Chairman, Hospital Service Commission (HSC), Dr.(Mrs.) Atinuke Onayiga commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for announcing free treatment for pregnant mothers from Ante-Natal Care (ANC) up to delivery and even the mothers who have undergone caesarean sessions as part of a measure to cushion the effect of economic hardship experienced by the citizens of the State.
The Chairman of the Hospital Service Commission, who was represented by Commissioner II, Dr. Mobolaji Olukoya, said “The Orile Agege General Hospital has gone through a lot of transformation, especially with their various outreach programmes. They moved from the most caring hospital last year to the most community-friendly hospital this year and they deserve an award. In Orile- Agege GH no child is left behind. With this back-to-school outreach, we are catching them young”.
She said the back-to-school health outreach is another programme that borders mainly on health assessment of the school-age children shown in Orile-Agege General Hospital.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Back-to-school health outreach programme, Dr. Oluyemi Taiwo said the programme is aimed at bringing back children to school healthy with a sound mind to enhance their learning when they resume back to school.
The Director of Nursing Service, Hospital Service Commission, Mrs. Adebukola Cole said, “The Medical Director of Orile Agege has transformed the hospital. What l met last year at this facility is different from what I met in the hospital today. Orile Agege Hospital is moving forward”.
One of the beneficiaries’ parents from Command Community, Mrs. Olajunoke Bamigboye said ” I am very happy my child went through all the screenings and was fit for the new academic session. I want to appreciate the Governor of Lagos State for his support for the health sector in Lagos State. Also, I want to say a big thank you to the management of the hospital for organising this programme in our community”.
