Port Harcourt – The Nigerian Navy has begun free medical screening, diagnosis, and treatment for no fewer than 2,000 residents in Rivers.
Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), announced this on Thursday at the opening of the outreach in Egberu, Oyibo Local Government Area of Rivers.
Zipele said that the beneficiaries would have the opportunity to undergo medical diagnosis and treatment without costs.
“The naval training command is offering free medical support to residents of Egberu, this is as part of our efforts to strengthen cooperation between the command and the community,” he said.
He said that residents would receive free medical services such as blood pressure checks, consultancies, laboratory investigations and medications, among others.
“This exercise is one of the strategic initiatives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, under navy’s corporate social responsibility,” he said.
Zipele further said that the exercise formed part of the navy’s end-of-year activities that aimed to strengthen civil-military relations.
He reiterated the navy’s commitment to providing essential services to residents of Egberu community.
Also speaking, Capt. Ikechukwu Chukwuka, the Head, Medical and Training, said that the outreach included screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria, typhoid and HIV.
Chukwuka said that the beneficiaries would receive free medications and advice, adding, “serious conditions will be referred to the appropriate medical facilities.”
“We recognise the challenges many communities face in accessing quality healthcare, we are here to support this community,” he said.
Chukwuka said that many individuals were unaware of the illnesses that plagued them until they became life-threatening.
“We are targeting no fewer than 2,000 people to take advantage of this opportunity to know their health status and receive free treatments,” he said.
He said that the programme showed that the navy was not only a combat institution but also a compassionate and people-oriented one.
Dr Adaeze Oreh, the Rivers Commissioner of Health, commended the navy for the gesture, describing it as well-intended.
Represented by Prof. Justina Jumbo, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Oreh said that the initiative aligned with the state government’s commitment to strengthen public health systems.
“Healthcare is most impactful when government and security agencies work together to support vulnerable populations,” she said.
She said that the Rivers Government remained open to deeper collaboration with stakeholders on outreach, disease prevention, emergency care and community health strengthening.
The Paramount Ruler of Egberu-Ndoki, Eze Boniface Akawor, expressed delight over NAVTRAC’s relocation from Apapa, Lagos, to Ebubu-Eleme in May 2024.
He said that the community had never benefitted from such free medical support, and decried the abandonment of the community primary healthcare centre.
“The nearest health centre is seven kilometres from here, this makes emergencies difficult for our people,” he said.
Akawor thanked the navy for the intervention, and urged other corporate bodies to emulate NAVTRAC.
One the beneficiaries, Mrs Cordelia Chibuzor, 58, who received treatment for an undisclosed ailment, praised the navy for the support.
She said that many residents could no longer afford healthcare due to the rising costs of medical treatments in the country. (NAN)
