Grace Dalla, Abuja
The Karomajigi community, comprising Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and orphans, gathered in large numbers to benefit from a free medical outreach organized by Soteria-Afrique Rural Health Care Initiative.
The event was conducted in collaboration with Poverty and Disability Initiative in Nigeria (PADIN) and supported by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
The initiative aimed to address the health challenges faced by the community by providing free tests and surgical services, facilitated by a team of doctors and anesthetists.
Mrs. Okafor Christina Obinna delivered a speech during the launch of Telemedicine. She explained that telemedicine involves using technology to deliver clinical care remotely, effectively creating a virtual clinic.
She highlighted the benefits of telemedicine, such as ensuring equitable access to healthcare, breaking down physical barriers, and allowing individuals with disabilities to receive medical consultations, follow-ups, and essential health services from their homes. This innovation addresses challenges like mobility issues and transportation difficulties faced by the Karomajigi community. Mrs. Obinna encouraged the PWDs community to leverage telemedicine benefits and assured them of comprehensive outreach services, including tests, medication, and post-operative monitoring.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James David Lalu, appreciated the initiative and promised continued support. Mr. Lalu emphasized the need to eradicate discrimination and promote inclusion for PWDs, aligning with the administration of His Excellency Ahmad Bola Tinubu.
Mr. Lalu outlined several commitments:
1. Collaborating with the Ministry of Power to ensure electricity provision to primary healthcare facilities serving PWDs.
2. Partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure health facilities accommodate PWDs, supported by an established action working committee.
3. Working with the National Health Insurance to launch a health insurance scheme for PWDs through the health development fund.
4. Increasing primary healthcare facilities in rural areas and enhancing healthcare capacity to ensure access to primary healthcare.
INN reports that the free medical outreach was officially opened by Dr. Lalu, with community members queuing to receive medical attention from the team of doctors.