NGO Visits Kirikiri Prisons With Health Goodies

 

The inmates of Kirikiri Medium Prisons, Lagos, enjoyed some largesse when a voluntary organisation, Health Emergency Initiative, HEI, vsited them bearing drugs and other medical materials.

 

HEI Project Officer, Olayinka Layi-Adeite, said: “We visited the prison and the Matron in charge of the clinic told us some of their needs and as an organisation committed to a healthy society, we reached out to some pharmaceutical companies. Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Limited responded to our request.

 

“Part of what we donated include different kinds of drugs, gloves, cotton wool, Accu-Chek for blood glucose monitoring, among others.”

 

Layi-Adeite recalled that a similar gesture was made last year to the prison and it would be extended to other prisons or groups of people in need of medical help, adding “a lot of requests were made but this is the much we can do for now. Health-wise, they need more beds in the wards; they also want to renovate the laboratory.

 

“Their storage facility for drugs is not good enough. We plan to do more as we continue to get support from corporate organisations and individuals.”

 

According to the Executive Director, HEI, Pascal Achunine, the whole idea is to provide quick, initial and instant financial cover for indigent patients unable to provide immediate funds necessary to undergo or access treatment prior to regular family assistance.

 

Responding, the Deputy Controller of Prisons, Rev. Ben-Rabbi Freedman, said the donations would never be taken for granted as it supports the efforts of government.