Mr Chris Ezem, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abia, on Thursday lauded the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), for touching lives in rural communities, through its free medical outreaches.
Ezem gave the commendation at the launch of the second quarter of the scheme’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme in Amibo Community in Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state.
The SGG, who congratulated NYSC on its 50th anniversary, said that the scheme had achieved its objectives with its contributions to the growth and development of the nation.
Ezem, also a native of Amibo, expressed gratitude to the corps for organising the medical outreach in his community, saying that it would give his people first time information about their health status.
Also, the Traditional Ruler of Amibo, Eze Marcus Ukandu, who was represented by his Prime Minister, Chief Bernard, commended NYSC and called for the sustenance of the health initiative.
“We are excited that NYSC brought this free medical outreach to our community because they say “health is wealth.”
“Last night, the town crier went round the community to inform our people about this programme and that is why you have many of us gathered here today,” he said.
Declaring the event open, Abia NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Ufuoma Dick-Iruenabere, said that it was remarkable that the exercise was happening at a time when the scheme was celebrating its 50th anniversary.
She said that HIRD had a core responsibility of mobilising Corps Medical Personnel in the provision of health interventions.
The state coordinator assured the scheme’s preparedness to make adequate use of the abundant skilled human resources at its disposal to improve the quality of life of the people.
An elated beneficiary, Mrs Joy Chikezie, thanked the organisers, saying “I did not have money to by drugs, but I got it for free here.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the free medical services featured consultations, laboratory tests, treatment and drugs dispensing.(NAN)
