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The Nigerian Army, 6 Divison Port Harcourt, Commanded by Major General Jamil Sarham, on Wednesday carried out a free medical outreach in Rivers State, as part of the activities of marking the 2019 Army Day celebration.
The outreach which was carried out in Rumuokwurusi community in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of the State, witnessed massive presence of elderly persons, youths and children who defied the heavy downpour to the programme.
The Commander 6 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Lt Col Johnson Ogah, Who spoke with journalists 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.
Ogah who is a consultant Anaesthetist also assured quality services for the beneficiaries considering the team of medical professionals on ground.
He said: “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.
Some beneficiaries of the health outreach held at the Rumuokwurusi Primary Healthcare Centre that spoke with The AUTHORITY expressed gratitude for the gesture.
Chief Nelson Wali, Vice Chairman, Rumuokwurusi Nvuike Council of Chiefs, commended the Chief of Army Staff , Lt General TY Buratai for initiating the outreach and also the army medical team at the programme.
He noted that the medical service was free, adding that as a beneficiary, he was diagnosed and given free drugs for treatment.
One of the community beneficiaries said :
“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.