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Lagos State has once again demonstrated its commitment to providing accessible healthcare with its Free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery and Rehabilitation Programme. This initiative, which targets children with lower limb deformities, recently saw 50 beneficiaries receive life-changing surgical interventions at the Gbagada General Hospital.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye during a visit to the hospital to meet with the latest beneficiaries of the programme revealed that the 50 beneficiaries were among the 213 individuals screened in this latest phase, with many of the patients being children who had endured significant challenges due to their conditions.

“The programme started in 2007 as a medical assistance initiative for children with lower limb deformities that impede normal growth and function. Since then, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary outreach, reaching over 6,000 beneficiaries to date,” Dr. Ogboye explained.

He emphasized that the state government initiated this intervention to reduce the physical and emotional burden on affected children and their families, aiming to restore the children’s ability to function normally in society. “The programme is designed to tackle deformities such as bow legs and clubfoot, which if left untreated, could hinder the ability of children to walk or live independently”, he said.

The Permanent Secretary explained that the most recent phase of the programme began with a screening exercise at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where a team of specialists evaluated the patients. “Those who qualified were subsequently booked for surgery at the Gbagada General Hospital. In addition to surgery, beneficiaries were provided with physiotherapy, nutrition counseling, health education, and assistive mobility devices to ensure a comprehensive recovery”, he added.

Dr. Ogboye further emphasized that the outreach-style approach of the programme helps reach children who might otherwise be on long waiting lists for surgery. “We gather patients from all our health facilities, screen them, and if they are fit for surgery, they are booked for the procedure. We’ve been doing this since 2007, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive,” Ogboye said.

Reflecting on the successes of the programme, Dr. Ogboye noted, “Over the years, this initiative has led to significantly improved health outcomes for the children. The recent surgical interventions reinforce the Lagos State Government’s dedication to its Health and Environment mandate under the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda.”

He added that the State Government’s free medical intervention reach goes beyond limb deformities, encompassing other initiatives such as eye surgeries for corneal and cataract conditions, ear surgeries, and the provision of hearing aids and prosthetics for amputees. “This holistic approach ensures that we tackle various disabilities and improve the quality of life for numerous individuals across the state,” Ogboye explained.

Coordinator of the Free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery Programme, Dr. Tolulope Ajomale praised the present administration’s efforts which has been instrumental in ensuring the continued success of this programme. “With the support of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sawo-Olu, we are targeting 1,000 free surgeries over the next few years,” he stated.

Dr. Ajomale also highlighted the importance of such interventions for underserved populations, adding that many families cannot afford the high cost of corrective surgeries. “This programme not only provides healthcare but also restores hope to children and their families,” he said. Ajomale reiterated that the surgeries also help the state gather data for future disability intervention strategies, ensuring that those in need can continue receiving the care they require.

Highlighting the social implications of the intervention, Dr. Ajomale noted that children who previously struggled with mobility and pain can now pursue their education and future ambitions without hindrance. “Imagine the impact of correcting these deformities – it opens up a world of possibilities for the children, allowing them to fully participate in school and other activities,” he said.

As a significant partner in the initiative, Gbagada General Hospital has played a crucial role in hosting the surgeries and ensuring the smooth running of the programme. The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Olusegun Babafemi, expressed the hospital’s pride in being part of the life-changing programme. “We have partnered with the Ministry of Health for several years now, and it has been a privilege to witness the joy this programme brings to vulnerable families,” he said.

Babafemi encouraged parents to seek medical attention as soon as they notice signs of limb deformity in their children. “Immediate intervention can prevent more severe complications. We advise families to visit any of the 30 general hospitals in Lagos, where they can be referred to appropriate facilities for care,” he added.

Dr. Babafemi also reiterated that for families unable to afford immediate surgery, the state’s annual free corrective surgery initiative remains an available option. He stressed that the government covers all the costs, ensuring that no child is left without the care they need.

The state government’s continued efforts to improve healthcare access for underserved populations remain a testament to Lagos’ commitment to a healthier, more inclusive society. The ongoing Free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery Programme serves as a beacon of hope for children and families in need.

By Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

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