About MLMT

PRESS RELEASE:

In the last quarter of 2007 I, among others, went to Nigeria to get locally registered as a pharmacist. The program was conducted in Benin City, Edo State and hosted by the University of Benin. We spent 6 weeks at the University. The program consisted of 5 weeks of lectures, laboratory sessions and field trips. It ended with 5 days of examinations in subjects encompassing pharmacy and medical science. The experience was remarkable and considering that I graduated from college in the late 80’s, I was surprised and delighted to see how my knowledge based much on practical experience but also on undergraduate studies came into play.

While in Nigeria, I formed good relationships with professional colleagues who studied in different parts of the world. Individually and as a group we made many weekend road trips to various parts of Nigeria including the Federal capital territory, Abuja. During our travels, we identified a number of pressing needs in the healthcare field as they affected persons and their communities at large. My colleagues, especially Dr. Lateef Olaniyan (Pharm. D.), a Food Pavilion pharmacist in Moses Lake, Washington State and I had meetings with a number of medical professionals, business leaders and lawmakers. In Abuja, we got the interest and support of a first term Nigerian House of Representatives member from Kwara state, the Honorable Aliyu Bahago Ahman-Pategi. In discussions with him, he let us know that his constituency could benefit tremendously from the health related initiatives we tabled. He informed us that Patigi General Hospital in Patigi town is in his constituency. The hospital, built in the late 60’s is poorly equipped and understaffed. The people in this area deserve and desperately need good healthcare services.

Working with the Honorable Aliyu Pategi, Dr. Lateef Olaniyan and a team of multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals, MOSES LAKE MEDICAL TEAM, a non-profit organization located in Moses Lake, Washington State (www.mlmt.org) was formed. The group’s long-term goal is to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities in developing countries by providing medical equipment, medical care, public education and hospital supplies.

Our first and second ventures were to Kwara state, Nigeria in 2008 and 2009. We have received support from Moses Lake civic and social clubs, the medical community and individuals. The first and second mission consisted of about 20 medical professionals. This year we are working with Edensfield (www.edensfield.org) an NGO located in Lagos and The Bridge Network (www.thebridgenetwork.org) to conduct medical interventions to Lagos State and Oyo State. The team consists of about 35 US based medical practitioners, this includes 9 surgeons specializing in cleft palate, urological, gynecological and general surgeries, they will perform procedures on indigent residents of Lagos state. The team will also provide reading glasses to over 1000 indigenes of both states with glasses provided by the Lions Club and tests done by the Optometrists on the team.

We are seeking support from friends, colleagues, business partners and associates. All financial support can be made out to MOSES LAKE MEDICAL TEAM. Donations are tax deductible. Kindly visit our website for additional information, updates about the organization, projects and missions. I anticipate your help for which, regardless of its size or shape will be appreciated.