OAU students provide free healthcare and surgeries in Osun community

Medical students from Obafemi Awolowo University have provided free medical and surgical services to more than 200 residents of Moro Community in Osun State, according to the university’s IFUMSA Health Awareness Club. The annual outreach was organised by the Obafemi Awolowo University Medical Students’ Association as part of efforts to improve access to basic healthcare in underserved communities. About 90 medical, dental and pharmacy students took part.

The students were supported by two surgeons and three perioperative nurses from the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex. The programme included medical assessments, screening and treatment delivered within the community. Services included blood pressure and blood sugar checks, hepatitis B and HIV screening, urinalysis and body mass index assessments.

Residents also received dental consultations and medications. The surgical team carried out free day-case procedures, including lipoma excision, hernia repair, hydrocelectomy and breast lump excision. The source material did not provide a breakdown of the number of procedures performed.

Health Awareness Club chairperson Oladipupo Ayomipo said the outreach was intended to give back to society. She said the cost of healthcare and reliance on out-of-pocket payments made community-based interventions important for people who might otherwise struggle to obtain basic services. Local Organising Committee chairperson Aboderin Oluwatobiloba said the programme was designed to promote equal access to healthcare regardless of residents’ economic circumstances.

Beneficiaries thanked the students and health professionals for bringing services closer to the community. The latest intervention follows the club’s 2025 outreach in Ede, Osun State, where residents received free consultations, medications, dental and eye care, and health education.