By Stephen Adeleye.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kogi State, has launched its first quarter Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme in Adankolo Community, Lokoja Local Government Area.
The State Coordinator, Mr Femi Oshungbohun, who flagged the medical outreach on Friday in Lokoja, said it aims to provide free and qualitative healthcare to indigent persons in rural areas.
Oshungbohun stated that the NYSC-HIRD programme, launched in 2014, has attended to over two million persons across the country.
“The programme is a platform for contributing towards promoting the wellbeing of indigent persons at the grassroots by granting them easier access to free healthcare,” he said.
Oshungbohun encouraged residents of Adankolo Community and surrounding areas to take advantage of the free medical services.
The Kogi NYSC coordinator noted that the outreach is conducted quarterly to increase access for benefiting communities.
He thanked partners, guests, and the Kogi State Government for supporting the programme, and commended Corps Medical Volunteers and Field Officers for their efforts.
He emphasised that the programme is expected to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas and promote the wellbeing of indigent persons.
Mr Emanuel Eko, the Assistant Director, Community Development Service, Kogi NYSC, explained that the initiative targets underprivileged rural dwellers, bringing healthcare to areas where metropolitan institutions are inaccessible.
“The turnout was satisfactory, despite the programme falling on a market day.
“We advise patients to keep their diagnosis and referral documents to avoid unnecessary expenses,” Eko said.
The medical outreach features diagnosis, treatment, minor medical procedures, and referrals, as well as sensitization on disease prevention and care.
The NYSC Medical Teams also provide free drugs, eye glasses, and other medical consumables.
The medical team, led by Dr Osman Rahman, is providing comprehensive services, including dental screening, hepatitis C testing, malaria tests, and screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and cervical cancer.
“We’re providing medication for various ailments, and our services are completely free. The team is also educating patients on disease prevention and management,” Dr. Rahman said.
The community praised the initiative with open arms.
The Royal Father, Mall. Mahmud Abdulrahman Bulu, the Madaki Agbayi Community, expressed gratitude, saying, “We thank God for this initiative.
“It’s the first of its kind in Adankolo, and we hope it continues to provide free treatment to our people. We appreciate NYSC for thinking of us, especially during this Ramadan period.”
(NAN)
