RCCG raises alarm over self-medication, takes free healthcare to Oshodi residents

… Screens scores for hypertension, diabetes, eye diseases, advocates health insurance
By Chioma Obinna

Concerned by the growing culture of self-medication and poor access to healthcare, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Calvary Zonal Headquarters, Lagos Province 89, has launched a renewed campaign against indiscriminate drug use while expanding access to free medical services for residents of Oshodi.

The church, during its annual free medical outreach held as part of activities marking its anniversary celebration, offered free medical consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, eye examinations, medications, health education and referrals, with medical experts warning that self-medication continues to fuel preventable complications and late presentation of diseases.

The outreach, which attracted scores of residents, also exposed a high burden of hypertension and age-related eye conditions, reinforcing calls for regular health checks and wider health insurance coverage.
Speaking at the event, the Pastor-in-Charge of Lagos Province 89, Pastor Jeff Aganbi, said the outreach, which has been sustained for about 15 years, was the church’s response to the healthcare needs of its host community.

He said many Nigerians still delay seeking medical attention because of rising treatment costs, opting instead for self-medication until their conditions become life-threatening.

“We discovered that many people do not have easy access to healthcare. Some are discouraged by the cost of treatment, while others delay going to the hospital until their condition becomes serious. As a church, we believe we have a responsibility to support our community and demonstrate the love of Christ through practical service,” Aganbi said.

He explained that the outreach forms part of the church’s Christian Social Responsibility, providing residents with free consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, eye screening, medications and referrals for specialised care where necessary.

While noting that the rising cost of medicines remains a major challenge, Aganbi said the church would continue to sustain the intervention because of its impact on vulnerable residents.

“Healthcare should not be a privilege for a few. We remain committed to supporting our community despite the increasing cost of drugs and medical supplies.”

Speaking on the church’s anniversary theme, “The Unchangeable God,” Aganbi urged Nigerians facing economic hardship not to lose hope, stressing that faith should be complemented with healthy living and prompt medical attention.

He also called on governments at all levels to strengthen primary healthcare services and bring quality healthcare closer to communities.

“Government should come closer to the people. When leaders understand the health needs of communities, it becomes easier to provide lasting solutions.”

Speaking, Optometrist, Dr Elizabeth Ezenwanne, said eye screening conducted during the outreach revealed that many elderly participants had age-related eye conditions, including cataracts, dry eye syndrome and difficulty reading small print.

According to her, several beneficiaries received reading glasses, while others requiring specialist care were referred to hospitals.

She warned that many eye diseases progress silently and urged Nigerians not to wait until vision loss occurs before seeking medical attention.

“Everyone should undergo a comprehensive eye examination at least once every year. Early detection remains the best way to preserve sight and prevent avoidable blindness,” she said.

Also speaking, Family and Public Health Physician, Dr Rotimi Adesanya, disclosed that nearly 100 residents benefited from the outreach, with hypertension emerging as the most common health condition detected.

He said while some participants were already aware of their diagnosis, many others were discovering they had high blood pressure for the first time.

“Hypertension remains a silent killer. Some people we attended to did not know they had high blood pressure until they were screened today.”

According to him, affected residents received medications, counselling and referrals for continued management.

Adesanya noted that although medical outreaches provide valuable opportunities for early disease detection, they cannot replace continuous access to healthcare.

He therefore encouraged residents to enrol in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, ILERA EKO, describing health insurance as the most sustainable way to access affordable healthcare throughout the year.

“The church is complementing government’s efforts, but people need healthcare every day, not just during annual outreaches. Health insurance ensures that people can receive treatment whenever they need it.”

Beneficiaries described the outreach as timely, particularly in the face of prevailing economic challenges.
Many said the programme not only provided free treatment but also enlightened residents on the dangers of self-medication, drug abuse and the misuse of old prescriptions.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Abiola Ayobami, commended the church for sustaining the initiative over the years, noting that residents received free consultations, screening and medications without paying any fees.

“Many people buy drugs based on old prescriptions or recommendations from friends. What I learnt today is that we should always see qualified health professionals before taking any medication,” she said.
Also speaking, the Treasurer of the Abajiodu Community Development Association (CDA), Mrs Adijat Sanni, praised the church for consistently bringing healthcare closer to residents.

She urged members of the community to take advantage of preventive health services and regular medical screening.

A church member, Mr Rasheed Adebesi, said the annual outreach has become one of the church’s most impactful community interventions because of the confidence residents have developed in the quality of services provided.