“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” said Mahatma Gandhi. For some, those words may sound philosophical, but for residents of Ede in Osun State, they became a lived reality on Saturday, September 20, when the Obafemi Awolowo University Medical Students’ Association (IFUMSA), through its Health Awareness Club (IHAC), brought much-needed healthcare services to their doorstep. For Mr. Lasimi Lawal, a retired soldier battling poor eyesight, and Mrs. Siyanbade, a trader and mother who had a skin tag surgically removed, the outreach was more than just an event—it was hope, relief, and healing.
The IFUMSA Medical Outreach, held annually, is a community service initiative that mobilises young doctors, medical students, and volunteers to provide essential health services for underserved populations. This year’s edition saw over 30 medical professionals, alongside 80 student volunteers, converge on the Timi of Ede’s Palace, with surgical operations conducted at the General Hospital in Ede. For many in attendance, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, the outreach was their only chance to access healthcare services without the burden of high costs.
The scope of services offered underscored the seriousness and organisation behind the programme. Participants benefitted from surgical operations, ophthalmology services, dental care, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, urinalysis, and HIV testing and counselling. Free medications were distributed, and doctors offered medical consultations to hundreds of patients. By the end of the day, more than 316 individuals had received care, a testament to the dedication of the team.
The outreach also had an educative component. Medical students engaged the community in interactive health discussions, sensitising them on preventive measures, healthy living practices, and common ailments. By combining curative and preventive approaches, the outreach not only treated illnesses but also empowered people with the knowledge to manage their health better.
Over the years, IHAC has taken its services across multiple towns including Ipetumodu, Ifetedo, Ikire, Ifewara, and now Ede. Each edition builds on the legacy of the previous one, extending the reach of healthcare and embedding the culture of service among OAU’s medical students. This continuity has established IHAC as a trusted health intervention group within Osun State communities.
Final-year medical students and volunteers, Orojo Bamidele Modupe and Ajayi Damilare, reflected on their experiences during this year’s programme. While expressing pride in serving humanity beyond the hospital walls, they admitted that challenges such as insufficient funding and managing the large turnout persisted. They urged more investment in healthcare access, with Orojo calling for improved healthcare financing schemes and Ajayi advocating for stronger government budgeting to ease the burden on underserved populations.
Among the most touching stories from the day was that of Mr. Lasimi Lawal. A former soldier and police officer who now works at Adeleke University, Mr. Lawal has struggled with eyesight issues since retirement, requiring the help of a young boy to guide him. He described how difficult it is to access proper care due to financial constraints. In Yoruba, he offered heartfelt thanks to the students, saying, “What you have done is so helpful, not just to me but to all of us. May God continue to help you.” He also appealed to government authorities to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for ordinary Nigerians.
For the organisers, this outreach is more than a yearly tradition; it is a conscious effort to contribute to global health priorities such as equity and universal health coverage. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Osuntoye Sunday, a 600-level medical student, explained that their motto, “wholesome health for all,” reflects their mission of extending medical services to communities where healthcare is either scarce or too costly.
The spirit of teamwork was also highlighted by IHAC executives and medical officers who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth coordination of the event. From surgeons to nurses and anaesthetists, each played a vital role in delivering care. Students provided logistical support, while health professionals ensured precision in treatment, making the day’s activities seamless despite the huge turnout.
Chairperson of IHAC, Ibironke Bright, expressed deep gratitude to her colleagues for their collective efforts. According to her, the outreach is “unarguably our biggest event of the year” and reflects the organisation’s passion for social impact. She acknowledged the persistent challenge of funding, noting that medical outreaches are expensive undertakings. Nevertheless, she commended the commitment of her team and pledged that future editions would be even bigger and more impactful.
She also highlighted the importance of partnerships, pointing out that collaborations with stakeholders, philanthropists, and government institutions could greatly expand the scale of services provided. With adequate support, IHAC could reach more communities, treat more people, and provide relief to even greater numbers of underserved Nigerians.
For the people of Ede, the 2025 IFUMSA Medical Outreach will be remembered not only for the services received but for the spirit of compassion and sacrifice shown by the young doctors and students. Their presence turned an ordinary Saturday into a day of healing, empowerment, and renewed hope for many families.
As preparations begin for the 2026 edition, the lessons and impact from this year serve as both a reminder and a motivation. Healthcare in Nigeria may face systemic challenges, but with initiatives like IHAC’s outreach, communities continue to see that change and support can come not just from government but also from the passionate service of individuals and groups committed to humanity.
