No fewer than 250 residents of Alimosho local government area during the week received free surgical operations through the medical mission organised by representative of the constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Bisi Yusuf.
The operations ranged from hernia, lumpsectomy, ganglion, goitre and keloid, while more than 10 of the residents discovered to have more serious cases after screening were given referrals.
The surgical operations were done as part of a four-day free health mission by the lawmaker who has made it a yearly affair since his tenure as chairman of Ipaja/Ayobo local council development area.
The addition of surgery to the outreach is the main feature of this year’s edition.
The operations were carried out at the Ipaja mini stadium, which was practically converted to a hospital with 25 surgeons on hand.
Other medical personnel involved were more than 30 pharmacists and a retinue of nurses and other para-medical.
Screening was, however, done at four different locations one each in the four local councils under Alimosho constituency 1 where those who needed surgery were directed to the Ipaja mini stadium, venue of the operations.
Speaking with reporters Yusuf said: “It is baffling that these kinds of problems exist in the country and people are burying dollars in toilet pits instead of spending it on people who need it. I am happy I am part of this.
“For some of them who were operated on, these ailments had become a stigma but we have been able to take them out of that bondage, they can now live a free life.
“For some of them, they could not believe relief would come their way free of charge. Some have resigned themselves to fate because they could not afford the bill for the operation in the hospital but through this effort they have been taken care of. For them it is unbelievable.”
Dele Lawal, who had a lump at the side of the neck to the back of his head removed, said he has carried the lump for over 15 years.
The plumber said he had been charged unaffordable fee but thanked the lawmaker for the surgery that brought relief to him.
He said: “I only have one vote and that vote may not count because in Nigeria votes don’t always count but there is something I have which counts, prayers and to the end of my life what I have is prayers for honourable Bisi Yusuf, his family and the political party that produced him.”