By Etop Ekanem

Chairman of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, Dr Seinye Lulu-Briggs, has called on affluent persons and corporate entities to help provide affordable healthcare to underserved Nigerians nationwide.

She said this was necessary because the government is constrained by competing needs and limited resources.

Speaking on Wednesday, September 25, at the opening ceremony of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s 42nd Free Medical Mission at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Lulu-Briggs said many Nigerians are unable to afford medical care because of the cost-of-living crisis.

The Free Medical Mission is the flagship programme of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation. Since 2005, it has delivered high-quality healthcare and counselling services to thousands in rural communities across the Niger Delta, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers States, treating over 152,000 individuals.

The 42nd Free Medical Mission was organised in collaboration with Honourable Kenneth Kpedem, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area and his executive team, building on the success of the 40th Medical Mission held in Deken, the same LGA from July 28 to August 2.

Represented by Ms Ibiere Akpana, Dr Lulu-Briggs lamented that though access to primary healthcare remains a significant challenge in many Rivers State and Nigeria areas, the government can still resolve the problem.

She said, “I believe that where there’s a will, there’s still a way. More creative thinking and strategic partnerships on the part of the government can still dig us out of this crisis and ensure we provide affordable healthcare to our people.”

Recalling that the Foundation had, on September 16, commissioned an infrastructure upgrade project at the Degema Medium Security Correctional Centre and launched its 41st Free Medical Mission, which treated 355 inmates, Dr. Lulu-Briggs reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to continuing its service to underserved communities.

She said, “At the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, we believe that health is not a luxury but a fundamental human right and that no one should be denied the care they need simply because of where they live or what they can afford.  Our five-day free medical Mission is not just about providing medical care; it’s about reaffirming our shared commitment to a healthier, stronger, and more equitable future for all Nigerians. We have been chosen for a mission of service, compassion, and hope.

“As we celebrate our 23rd anniversary as a foundation, I want to reassure all Rivers State people and others across the Niger Delta that the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation will not relent in our duty of care to you. We are in this for the long haul. Christ, our cornerstone, will continue to bless us and sustain our humanitarian services.”

Dr Lulu-Briggs appreciated Honourable Kpedem, the paramount ruler of Bodo, King John B. Berebon, the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, medical professionals and volunteers for supporting the 42nd Free Medical Mission.

Addressing the Chairman directly, she said, “Honourable Kpedem, on behalf of the board and management of the O. B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, I thank you most sincerely for inviting us to another one of your communities to serve our most worthy people. This is truly what public service is.”

Honourable Kpedem said the efficiency and organisation skills of the Foundation during the Deken Free Medical Mission made him approach them for the 42nd edition to fulfil one of his three priorities to the people.

He said, “I requested the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation to partner with us for this second phase after Deken because they were so organised. When I was called to serve, I made security, utility, and environment (health) my three main priorities. I included health because I bleed when I see people’s condition.

Several people can’t even afford malaria treatment. They buy over-the-counter medications, but you will receive quality treatments during this Mission. There will be tests to determine your type of malaria before you get medicines. Despite the over 200 surgeries conducted at Deken, no life was lost. Even as people have come out for this Mission, no lives will be lost during the surgeries.”

Counselling/health education, outpatient consultations, general surgeries, paediatric care (including deworming), dental care, vision care (including glasses and surgery), malaria testing & treatment, HIV/AIDs screening, physiotherapy, and an onsite pharmacy and laboratory were offered during the 42nd Medical Mission where thousands of men, women and children received medical care.