In a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and supporting vulnerable members of society, the Member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, on Saturday made an unscheduled appearance at a free medical outreach organised through a collaboration between Jimi Benson’s iCare Foundation and three healthcare-focused charity organisations.
The outreach, led by Sudabelt Medical in partnership with NOELLA Foundation, O.N.I. Foundation, and Jimi Benson’s iCare Foundation, was held to provide free healthcare services, with special attention given to persons living with Sickle Cell Disorder while also extending essential medical screening and treatment to members of the public.
The medical intervention offered free consultations and healthcare services to Sickle Cell warriors, while other beneficiaries received complimentary malaria screening, genotype testing, medical counselling and free medications.
Rep. Benson’s arrival at the venue came as a pleasant surprise to beneficiaries, volunteers and organisers, who warmly received the federal lawmaker as he interacted with patients, healthcare professionals and officials coordinating the exercise.
One of the major highlights of the visit came when the Coordinator of the Sickle Cell Warriors appealed to Rep. Benson to use his good offices to engage the management of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), managers of the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, to consider granting special concessions or subsidised access to healthcare services for persons living with sickle cell disease.
Responding to the appeal, Rep. Benson acknowledged the unique healthcare challenges faced by Sickle Cell warriors and assured them that he would formally engage the appropriate authorities to explore ways of securing favourable consideration for their request.
According to him, improving access to quality healthcare for vulnerable citizens remains an important aspect of responsive representation, adding that people living with chronic health conditions deserve every necessary support to enable them live healthier and more productive lives.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, the outreach coordinator for Jimi Benson’s iCare Foundation, Comrade Patricia Okosodo, who also serves as the Supervisor for Health in Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, described the programme as another practical demonstration of the Foundation’s commitment to complementing government efforts in healthcare delivery.
She explained that the collaboration with the partner organisations was deliberately designed to bring quality healthcare closer to residents while creating greater awareness about sickle cell management, early diagnosis and preventive healthcare.
Also speaking, Mr. Christian Ozotoye of NOELLA Foundation commended the partnership with Jimi Benson’s iCare Foundation, describing the collaboration as an excellent example of how strategic alliances between public-spirited organisations can significantly expand access to quality healthcare at the grassroots.
He noted that the large turnout recorded at the outreach underscores the urgent need for sustained community-based medical interventions capable of reaching vulnerable populations who often face financial barriers to accessing healthcare.
Similarly, Dr. Ariel Takly, one of the medical professionals representing the collaborating organisations, emphasised the importance of regular health screening, particularly genotype testing, malaria diagnosis and continuous medical care for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disorder.
He observed that collaborations with community-focused organisations such as Jimi Benson’s iCare Foundation make it possible to reach more beneficiaries and deepen health education within underserved communities.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the collaborating organisations and Rep. Babajimi Benson for making the outreach possible, describing the initiative as timely, impactful and life-changing, particularly for Sickle Cell warriors who often struggle with the high cost of medical care.
The outreach once again reflects the growing role of Jimi Benson’s iCare Foundation as a platform for mobilising strategic partnerships that deliver meaningful interventions across healthcare, education, youth empowerment and community development throughout Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
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