LAGOS — The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos (NOHIL), on Wednesday marked its 80th anniversary with a community medical outreach, delivering free healthcare services to residents of Somolu and addressing longstanding misconceptions about its operations.
The outreach, held at Alade Market, offered a range of services including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, malaria testing, hepatitis screening, and free distribution of medications. Medical specialists across departments—nutrition and dietetics, orthopaedics, trauma care, pharmacy, nursing, speech and language therapy, and general medicine—also provided consultations and health education.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs Eniayewu Folusho, urged residents to seek early medical intervention, particularly for accident-related injuries involving bones, warning against neglect that could worsen outcomes.
She clarified that contrary to public perception, the hospital does not primarily perform amputations, stressing that its core mandate is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and related conditions.
Also addressing participants, speech and language therapist, Mrs Koleosho Bolanle, highlighted the critical role of hearing in speech development, noting that children must first hear sounds before they can develop effective communication skills.
She listed common speech and language disorders to include aphasia, autism, delayed speech, stuttering, cleft lip and palate, dysphagia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), adding that factors such as alcohol use, smoking, stress and excessive noise exposure during pregnancy could negatively affect a child’s development.
Bolanle further noted that NOHIL’s speech therapy department, which has existed for over 25 years, caters to all age groups and offers relatively affordable services compared to private facilities.
On nutrition, dietitian Mrs Lawal Adejoke emphasised the importance of balanced and individualised diets, particularly for managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
“Nutrition is fundamental to good health and should be tailored to individual needs and health conditions,” she said.
READ ALSO: 2026 Press Week: NUJ President Demands Urgent Reforms in Journalists’ Welfare, Safety
Fubara Withdraws from APC Gubernatorial Primaries, Cites Peace, Unity in Rivers
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed appreciation for the initiative. Mr Ganiu Kolawole, a bricklayer, said he benefited from medical tests and medications, while Mrs Mariam Rasaq, a trader, commended the hospital after receiving a clean bill of health.
The anniversary celebration, themed “Eighty Years of Excellence in Healthcare: Reflecting, Celebrating and Advancing,” underscores NOHIL’s commitment to community health engagement and improved public awareness.
About The Author
