By Desmond Ejibas
Ikwerre (Rivers) – No fewer than 500 residents of Omuanwa Community in Ikwerre area of Rivers will benefit from a free medical outreach, organised by the National Association of Seadogs (Pirate Confraternity).
The outreach, held on Friday at Omuanwa Community, formed part of activities marking the association’s 50th Konverge and honouring its founding members, including Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
The Vice President of the association, Dr Patrick Briggs, told journalists on the sidelines of the event that the medical mission reflected the association’s commitment to humanitarian service.
According to him, the outreach is one of the organisation’s regular community intervention programmes across the country.
“One of our philosophies is humanitarian service. We organise medical missions to assist people who have limited access to healthcare,” he said.
Briggs said more than 500 residents of Omuanwa Community would receive free medical screening, diagnosis and treatment.
He added that the outreach was funded through the association’s resources with support from partner organisations.
The Chief Medical Officer of the NAS Medical Mission, Dr Odomene Chiazor, said the programme had been running for more than 13 years.
According to him, the medical team provides primary healthcare services, including diagnosis, treatment, counselling and referrals for complicated cases.
“We offer community-based healthcare. Cases requiring secondary or tertiary care are referred to appropriate health institutions, while primary healthcare needs are managed on-site,” Chiazor said.
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Tai, Rivers, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, commended the association for bringing the outreach to his community.
Mmom, who hails from Omuanwa community, said the initiative had provided many residents, particularly those unable to afford medical treatment, access to quality healthcare.
“I am delighted that this outreach is taking place in my community. Many people here need medical attention to improve their health conditions,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Omuanwa Community Development Committee, Mr Ajoku Prince, expressed appreciation to the association for the initiative.
He urged other organisations to emulate the NAS by supporting underserved communities through similar humanitarian interventions. (NAN)
