Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- enterprising / ˈɛn tərˌpraɪ zɪŋ / (adj.) – having the ability to think of new ideas and do difficult things, especially in business
Example:The enterprising chef started his restaurant by selling the lunch boxes he makes online.
- dusk / dʌsk / (n.) – the time of day when it starts to get dark
Example:The street lights switch on by themselves just after dusk.
- ply / plaɪ / (v.) – to do a regular activity, business, or job
Example:Several food carts are plying for trade near the stadium before the big match.
- underserved / ˌʌn.dɚˈsɝːvd / (adj.) – not having enough access to services or help, especially from the government
Example:The organization provides free food and housing to underserved families until they can manage on their own.
- consumables / kənˈsuː mə bəlz / (n.) – items that are used up quickly and need to be replaced regularly, such as food, medicine, etc.
Example:The volunteers packed boxes of consumables such as toothpaste, soap, and tissues for families in need.
Article
Read the text below.
Many Nigerians aren’t able to access primary health care, according to numerous studies into the country’s public health system. Now, an enterprising Lagos doctor has set up in a market to treat traders forced to prioritize work over their own health.
In Nigeria’s bustling markets, where traders work from dawn to dusk, health often takes a back seat. Many market women and men prioritize their businesses over doctor visits, sometimes ignoring health issues until they become serious problems.
Now, the traders have become familiar with another business plying for trade in the marketplace: Dr. Yetunde Ayo-Oyalowo, a health entrepreneur.
Ayo-Oyalowo recognized the need to bridge the gap in healthcare access for underserved communities. Rather than waiting for patients to visit clinics, she brings healthcare directly to them. She sets up mobile medical stations in the markets, offering consultations, health screenings, and minor treatment at affordable rates.
Ayo-Oyalowo says her Market Doctors initiative has reached over 400,000 patients, creating greater accessibility to basic medicine and treatment.
“Market Doctors is as a result of the experience I’ve had in the healthcare sector. One, I found that people could really not afford medical care, so you see people discharging themselves in hospitals against medical advice. But they got to this point because they didn’t have access to primary healthcare,” she says.
“There’s a hidden cost of healthcare: the cost of transportation, the cost of not going to work, and the long queues. So, by bringing healthcare to people in their natural habitat, we’ve cut out all of those costs so they can add healthcare to their shopping bags.”
Ayo-Oyalowo launched the project in 2017, and she employs 17 people and works with hundreds of volunteers. Some of her funding comes from private or corporate donations.
Market Doctors say their services are subsidized, and they are able to partner with major pharmaceutical companies for drugs and consumables.
People who need more intensive care are referred to hospitals.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Market Doctors sets up mobile medical stations in the markets, offering consultations, health screenings, and minor treatment at affordable rates. What do you think about this? Would you feel comfortable getting medical care in a place that is not a hospital or clinic? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Do you think this kind of healthcare service would work well in the market in your community? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Many market traders prioritize their businesses over doctor visits. Why do you think they choose to do that? What do you think will happen if people continue to prioritize their work or school over health check-ups? Discuss.
- In your opinion, how can someone balance earning money with taking care of their health? Discuss.
