By Desmond Ejibas
Ahoada (Rivers) – The Nigeria Army is targeting more than 1,000 men, women and children, for its free medical outreach, in Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, launched the outreach, aimed at preventing, detecting and treating illnesses, on Tuesday at Ahoada Town.
Represented by Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Tilawan, the division’s Garrison Commander, Oluyede said the medical rhapsody was organised to provide succour to residents affected by flooding in the state.
He said: “To mark our civil military relations cooperation programme in support of Exercise Still Waters 2022, we reached out to communities, to see how we can assist them.
“So, we are here to provide the people with free medical services covering diagnosis, examination, counselling and treatment.
“Drugs will be given to people diagnosed with various illnesses that cut across antibiotics, analgesics and haematinics (substances for the proper formation of blood components), and many others, for both adults and children.”
Oluyede said that free medicated eye glasses would also be given to patients with eye impairment.
“Aside our fighting capability, the Nigeria Army also has nation building capability – where we attend to the welfare and health needs of our communities.
“Therefore, our medical personnel are on ground to assist as many community members that we expect to benefit from this free medical outreach as possible.
“If there is any illness we cannot handle here, we will refer the patients to the military hospital in Port Harcourt where they will be attended to free,” he added.
The army officer said the medical outreach was also currently ongoing in its operational coverage areas, organised by army formations across the country.
The News of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the army also drilled and donated a drinking water borehole for the people of Abarikpo community in the area.
The Executive Chairman of Ahoada East LGA, Ben Eke, commended the army for providing aid to residents whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed by floods.
“This community was among those that were devastated by floods that displaced thousands from their homes.
“So, we really appreciate the army for organising this medical outreach that will cater for the health needs of my people,” he said.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Abarikpo community, Chief Eke Fineboy, thanked the army for digging a borehole in his community, and urged for more of such projects. (NAN)
