From Blessing Okorite, Port Harcourt
The Nigerian Army, 6 Division Port Harcourt has commenced on free medical outreach for its host communities in Rivers State.
It was gathered that the outreach which is part of activities to mark 2019 Army Day celebration, went on simultaneously across the country
The outreach held at Rumuokwurusi Primary Healthcare Centre, Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of the State, witnessed presence of elderly persons, youths and children who turnout massively not minding the heavy downpour .
The Commander 6 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Lt Col Johnson Ogah, Who spoke with journalists on Wednesday at the venue of the programme, said Nigerian Army values the health status of its host communities, hence the outreach.
He noted that the programme is in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff to support in the improvement of good health condition of Nigerians. He disclosed that the activity was simultaneously going on all over the country.
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Ogah who is a consultant Anaesthetist also assured quality services for the beneficiaries considering the team of medical professionals on ground.
He said: “This medical outreach is part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration. One thing the Chief of Army Staff likes doing as part of the Nigerian Army corporate social responsibilities is the medical outreach. So every single units of the Nigerian Army today is carrying out the medical outreach within their area of responsibility.
“This is part of our military/civil relationship with the people. It also gives us an opportunity to reach out to the communities, to render our services and for them to know that we have their interest at heart.
“All the members of this team are professionals. We guaranteed that the highest grade of professionalism is what we are bringing out here”, Lt Col Ogah added.
Chief Nelson Wali, Vice Chairman, Rumuokwurusi Nvuike Council of Chiefs, commended the Chief of Army Staff , Lt General TY Buratai, the army medical team for the outreach.
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He noted that the medical service was free, adding that as a beneficiary, he was diagnosed and given free drugs for treatment.
“We were given opportunity by the 6 Division for free medical care, and I have been diagnosed. I was advised and given some medication for my blood pressure which as at the time I arrived, it was high.
“They gave me prescription and asked me not to be worried. It is a very serious outreach, consultations are going on well. The number of persons I have seen here is quite encouraging.
“We are happy, the community is happy with the Nigerian Army. We want to thank the Chief of Army Staff who has given this opportunity for common people to be reached for treatment. I wasn’t charged any money. I also thanked the medical team and the Governor of the State, Nyesom Wike for providing enabling environment for this programme”.
Other beneficiaries, Chief Loveday Ihunwo, Mrs. Victoria Gospower who also expressed gratitude to the Army, pleaded that it will be a continuous exercise.
The outreach featured free medical consultations, free laboratory services, dispensing of drugs and mosquito treated nets to beneficiaries.
