–Says India Remains Committed to Longstanding Ties with Nigeria
The Indian Consul General in Lagos, Mr Chandramaouli Kumar Kern, has commended the Indian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Importers in Nigeria (IPMIN) for their impactful free health camp that benefited over 500 Lagosians in the Ilupeju community.
Highlighting the initiative as a testament to the enduring partnership between India and Nigeria, Kern described the outreach, providing medical checks, consultations, and drug donations as a significant contribution to fostering mutual goodwill and improving healthcare access.
Speaking at the health camp organised by IPMIN on Monday, at Sura Mogaji Park, Ilupeju, Lagos, Kern, who was the special guest of honour at the event described the initiative as a reflection of the shared values and goodwill between the two nations.
“Our relationship with Nigeria dates back to its pre-independence era, and we are proud to see it grow stronger over the years,” he said. Kern also emphasised the importance of collaboration, noting the involvement of the Indian government, the Indian naval ship INS Tushil, and IPMIN in making the event a success.
Originally targeted at 300 participants, the health camp surpassed expectations, attracting over 500 community members due to high demand. More than 30 pharmaceutical companies contributed medicines across various therapeutic classes, while medical professionals from INS Tushil and the Indian medical community in Lagos offered consultations, screenings, and free medications.
Kern also highlighted India’s ongoing capacity-building efforts in Nigeria, particularly through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which offers 500 fully funded training slots to Nigerians annually. He further mentioned the Indian government’s plans to establish healthcare centres in Nigeria to reduce the need for Nigerians to travel to India for medical care.
“We collaborated with the Indian community in Lagos to organise this healthcare outreach for the local community. IPMIN took the lead, leveraging its position as a pharmaceutical supplier and importer to manage and provide the necessary medicines,” he added.
IPMIN Vice- President, Mr Hermant Sharma, who represented the President, Chief Varkey Verghese, described the initiative as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). “Indians believe in the philosophy that everyone is one. Good health should go round because health is wealth,” Sharma said.
Expressing delight at the large turnout, Sharma noted that the free medical outreach aimed to give back to the Ilupeju community, recognising the longstanding cordial relationship between Indians and residents of the area.
The General Secretary of IPMIN, Mr Venket Subramanian, stated that the programme, initially designed for 300 participants, ultimately served over 500 residents. “We were taught from childhood that the whole world is one family. This philosophy continues to guide us. Wherever we are, we strive to build symbiotic relationships and contribute to the welfare of the local community. As a pharmaceutical association, we aim to raise health awareness and improve well-being,” he said.
The Executive Committee Coordinator of IPMIN, Mr Suresh Nair, noted that the outreach covered general health check-ups, specialist consultations, health awareness sessions, and the provision of free basic medications. Describing the event as successful, he commended the large turnout and praised the community’s enthusiasm.
A senior resident of Ilupeju and former chairman of Mushin Local Government, Prince Bayo Osiyemi, expressed gratitude for the gesture, adding that a healthy community is a wealthy community.
The septuagenarian Osiyemi, who was also a special guest at the event, noted that the free medical checks and drug donations are a significant boost for the community and will linger in the residents’ memories.
“I encourage other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate this effort and give back to society,” said Osiyemi, a veteran journalist and former special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Chieftaincy Affairs.
The healthcare intervention provided a range of services, including general health check-ups, specialist consultations, health awareness sessions, and prescription-based free medications.
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