Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has flagged off the annual free medical outreach at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, with a renewed emphasis on cervical cancer prevention and complex surgical interventions.

The programme, coordinated by the First Lady’s Ajose Foundation in partnership with a team of U.S.-based medical specialists, aims to provide free healthcare services to over 300 vulnerable residents.

A key highlight of this year’s edition is the commissioning of an advanced colposcope at OOUTH. The device is designed to enable doctors to conduct precise cervical screenings and obtain timely tissue samples for early diagnosis.

"Our core message is prevention," Mrs. Abiodun stated. "Early detection is far more effective and less costly than treating advanced-stage diseases. By providing access to advanced diagnostic tools, we are empowering women to take charge of their health before conditions become life-threatening."

Dr. Bimpe Adenusi, leader of the 35-man U.S. medical team, confirmed that the colposcope significantly enhances the hospital’s ability to fight cervical cancer through high-precision examination, noting that this year’s mission represented a major expansion in surgical capability, particularly with the introduction of complex orthopaedic procedures that are often unaffordable for many residents.

"We did a knee replacement surgery for a 5-year old this year, for he first time. Such surgeries cost millions of Naira, but thanks to the First Lady, we were to do both legs for that little boy for free, and there are more scheduled for hip replacement, bone setting and knee replacement surgeries. We are happy to get this support to help more people," Dr. Adenusi stated.

Operating from nine different theaters, other surgical procedures include breast lump removal, fibroid surgeries, hernia surgeries and thyroidectomies. 

Mrs. Abiodun urged well-meaning Nigerians to assist the less privileged, emphasizing that quality healthcare should be accessible to all citizens regardless of status. "When you are in a position to help those who cannot help themselves, don’t hesitate," she said. "For me, this is about giving back."

The wife of the APC gubernatorial flagbearer, Mrs. Temitope Adeola, who attended the flag-off, also commended the initiative and echoed the call for affluent Nigerians to invest in community welfare.

The medical mission is ongoing, with specialists currently working to ensure all registered patients receive treatment as efficiently as possible.