Ize-Iyamu sponsor free medicare for disabled to mark birthday

No fewer than 267 persons living with physical challenges (PLWPC), at the weekend benefitted from a free medical screening exercise held as part of activities marking the 55th birthday of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Peopels Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2016 Edo governorship elections.

The event had in attendance many with hearing, sight and physical impairment among others and took place at the premises of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre for the physically challenged in Benin City.

It featured free medical checkup by specialist doctors drawn from both the public and private sectors followed by the free distribution of drugs for Malaria and Typhoid, Hepatitis and Diabetes, Prostate status in men, Dental health and counseling for HIV/AIDS.

Ize-Iyamu who was present with his wife, Dr. Idia, a dentist, underwent medical screening at the exercise and said that the event was also designed to mark his wife’s birthday, June 21, as they both share the same date of birth.

Commending the PLWPC for turning out in large numbers to benefit from the exercise, the cleric-turned politician said his solidarity with them would be permanent, adding that regular health check up is a major key to the good life.

He said: “Physical disability is not manmade. God, who made you that way, has a purpose which you are alive to fulfill. My prayer is that your later life will be better than your former.”

Lamenting the parlous state of infrastructure at the Salvation Army Centre, the event venue, Ize-Iyamu called on the Edo state government to increase subventions due the centre as well as rehabilitate the dilapidated facilities or replace them outrightly with modern ones.

On her part, Dr. Idia Ize-Iyamu said that the focus of the exercise was preventive so that participants can get needed information about their health status while receiving free drugs and counsel for their challenges.

In a brief remark at the occasion, the chairman of the centre, Major Bramwell Chukwuemem, prayed that God will sustain Pastor Ize-Iyamu and his wife with his grace to continue the great work they have begun by dedicating their birthday celebration to helping PLWPC.

The exercise was preceded with brief health talks by the physicians on Malaria, Typhoid, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, the prostate and dental health, during which they urged participants to make regular check up a part of their lives.