The Bakare Bridge Foundation (BBF) has organised a free medical outreach for residents of Ibadan as part of its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare among underserved communities. The outreach, which attracted a large turnout, formed part of the foundation’s broader vision to support public health and promote preventive medical care among Nigerians.
During the exercise, various essential medical drugs were distributed to beneficiaries diagnosed with different ailments. In addition to drug distribution, more than 200 pairs of prescription glasses were provided to individuals identified with eye and visual impairments, offering immediate relief to many who had been living with untreated vision challenges.
Speaking at the event, the founder of the Bakare Bridge Foundation and convener of the outreach, Hon. Bakare Nurudeen, said the programme was organised in response to the growing need for accessible healthcare services. He stressed that many health challenges persist in communities because people lack information, proximity, or resources to seek timely medical attention.
Hon. Bakare urged residents to make proper use of available health facilities, including the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, as well as primary healthcare centres and general hospitals. According to him, routine medical consultations remain critical in preventing minor health issues from escalating into life-threatening conditions.
He assured beneficiaries that the foundation would continue to organise similar medical outreaches, noting that good health remains central to productivity and quality of life. The outreach, he explained, was designed to ensure that people receive adequate and proper medical attention, especially those who might otherwise be unable to afford such services.
The medical team that conducted the outreach was led by Dr. Ronke Lawal, a consultant at UCH, Ibadan. Beneficiaries underwent a series of basic medical screenings, including blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and eye and visual acuity examinations, among other routine health assessments.
Dr. Lawal commended the Bakare Bridge Foundation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. She noted that the outreach helped to uncover several previously undiagnosed health conditions, allowing medical professionals to recommend appropriate treatment options and management plans for the affected individuals.
According to her, early detection remains one of the most effective strategies in healthcare delivery, especially for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and eye disorders. She emphasized that community-based interventions like the BBF medical outreach play a crucial role in bridging the gap between hospitals and the general public.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Favour Akinwale, a Chief Nursing Officer at UCH, provided health education and counselling to participants. She advised residents on healthy food choices, appropriate drinks to consume, and habits to avoid in order to maintain good health. She also stressed the importance of adequate rest as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Mrs. Akinwale further cautioned against the indiscriminate use of drugs, urging people to stop self-medication and seek professional medical advice whenever health issues arise. She encouraged residents to make clinics and hospitals their first point of call, noting that consistent medical consultation is key to sustaining long-term health and well-being.
The outreach was widely applauded by beneficiaries and community members, many of whom described it as a life-changing intervention. With initiatives such as this, the Bakare Bridge Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to community development, public health awareness, and the overall well-being of residents in Ibadan.
