Philanthropist Mr. Seyi Tinubu has initiated a free medical outreach program aimed at serving 10,000 indigent patients monthly across 60 tertiary health institutions nationwide.
This intervention, primarily focusing on Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, is designed to support the federal government’s efforts in reducing maternal and child mortality. At the launch event held at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Kaduna State, Mr. Tinubu emphasized the need for Nigeria to improve its global ranking regarding infant and maternal mortality rates. He expressed hope that this initiative, with the collaboration of stakeholders, would contribute significantly to this goal.
Represented by Ojeje Amin Onimisi, Mr. Tinubu stated, “This intervention is driven by compassion for children. We are starting with mothers and children, but in a few months, the project will expand to include the provision of essential medical equipment and funding for research to improve pediatric health outcomes.”
He urged the hospital management to ensure that the program effectively reaches the most vulnerable patients.
Dr. Benson Ayodele Cole, the National Coordinator of the project, noted that tertiary hospitals were selected due to the significant number of indigent patients they serve annually and their well-organized systems for managing such schemes. He announced plans to extend the program to General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres after the initial phase.
“This project involves the establishment of drug banks by Mr. Seyi Tinubu, who has stocked these banks with sufficient drugs and supplies to meet the needs of at least 10,000 indigent patients monthly in each selected tertiary hospital,” Cole explained. He highlighted the alarming statistics of infant and maternal mortality in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for such interventions.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed-Zaria, representing the Chief Medical Director of ABU Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ahmad Hamadu, praised the initiative, stating that it would significantly alleviate the suffering of mothers and children, thereby helping to reduce the country’s high infant and maternal mortality rates. He assured that the hospital would ensure the program is used judiciously to benefit indigent patients, particularly pregnant women and children under five years old.
In addition to the medical outreach, Mr. Tinubu donated a solar-powered industrial borehole to Banzazzau, Zaria City, to address water shortages that often lead to water-borne diseases. He also launched a scholarship scheme for final-year Resident Doctors to support them in their registration and preparation for final fellowship examinations. Dr. Aisha Suleiman became the first recipient of the ₦1 million scholarship for her outstanding dedication to duty and academic excellence.
Mrs. Aisha Ololade, the National Coordinator for the education aspect of the intervention, emphasized that access to potable water is crucial for effective Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), which plays a vital role in preventing diseases that contribute to infant and maternal mortality. She noted that the provision of clean water and drug banks are complementary initiatives essential for safeguarding the health of mothers and children.
