Lagos council funds free surgeries for children
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David Odunmbaku, chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area in Lagos, Nigeria, launched a free surgical program for children aged 18 and under.
The week-long program, which began on Tuesday at Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, aims to lessen the financial strain on families needing specialized medical care for their children. Partner organisations including Life Care Development Foundation and a team from the United Kingdom are assisting with the surgeries, which address conditions like hernias, breast lumps, and undescended testicles.
Odunmbaku explained that the program aligns with his administration's focus on health and is intended to broaden access to specialized healthcare. He stated the initiative is an investment in the children and the community’s future, acknowledging the financial and emotional difficulties families face when children require surgery. The council has already completed 1,269 minor surgeries through a separate weekly program at its primary healthcare centers and increased its healthcare staff to over 175 people.
Taiwo Oluyemi, Chief Medical Director of Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, praised Odunmbaku’s support, while Timothy Adejinka, leading the surgical team from the United Kingdom, expressed a willingness to continue working with the council. Beneficiaries like Raji Ibrahim and Motunrayo Muritala thanked Odunmbaku for covering the cost of their procedures, relieving their families of a financial burden.
