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Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, has through a non-governmental organisation, Professor Seiyefa Outreach, organised a free medical outreach for residents
of Okoloba and Sabagreia communities in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Over 2,000 persons, including the elderly and children, benefited from the seventh edition of the commemoration of the medical outreach, which coincides with the birthday of the founder of the non-governmental organisation, Prof. Brisibe.
The outreach, which took place on Sunday covered free screening, tests and treatment for malaria and typhoid, tuberculosis, COVID and hernia, with two cases of surgery to be sponsored by the foundation.
Free medicated glasses were also given to many with eye problems, while children suffering from malnutrition were also given the required attention.
Speaking during the programme, Prof. Brisibe said he made a vow to himself to always celebrate his birthday in the form of medical and health outreach programmes in rural areas with limited access to quality healthcare.
He said he has been doing it since he clocked 50 years, noting that he found so much joy and peace in celebrating with the locals, rather than throwing a lavish party with no impact on humanity.
He said, “So when I turned 50, I felt the little I could do was to get health to my people in the rural communities that usually found it difficult to access that type of care.
“And, of course, there are a lot of obstacles, even this issue of paying money. So, I felt that the concept comes from the rural background that I grew up, in and having experienced seeing people first-hand having challenges in accessing healthcare.
“Those are the motivating factors, the philosophy behind this is to see that they do this in the rural areas, rural healthcare facilities, so that when we leave, people that access healthcare here are healed.
“That is why I chose to do that annually.”
Brisibe shared his experience as a medical student at home on holidays having to attend to a bleeding woman with assistance from a herbalist and a masseur.
Also speaking, the coordinator of the outreach, Dr Ebikapaye Okoyen, said over the years, the group has been making a good impact across three local government areas of the state where the outreaches have been held.
The paramount ruler of the Sabagreia community, Chief Buokumo Orukari, commended the group’s founder for the outreach which has offered a lot of relief to those with poor health conditions who have no money to afford care.
Some of the beneficiaries also lauded the group for the initiative saying it could not have come at a better time.
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