No fewer than 1,500 persons are expected to benefit from a medical outreach programme organized by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) in Owo Community, Nkanu East Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, Dr Ogbodo Okechukwu, Vice President of the NAS Enugu branch and a Consultant Public Health Physician, said Owo was selected due to its peculiar challenges and high number of vulnerable residents.
He noted that the quarterly exercise had previously been held in Nsukka, Iva-Valley, Enugu, and Awgu areas of the state.
“Our target is 1,500 persons, and I am confident we will achieve it. We are partnering with UNICEF, Parklane Hospital, and other organizations to make this possible,” he said.
The Head of the Medical Team, Dr Godfrey Anthony, said the association had spent about N3.5 million to implement the outreach.
He added that thorough community consultations with stakeholders ensured adequate sensitization ahead of the programme.
The outreach included consultations, blood pressure checks, eye screening, blood sugar testing, malaria diagnosis, diabetes screening, and prostate examinations, among other services.
Several beneficiaries described the outreach as a major source of relief.
Augustine Nnamani, a resident of Ubahu Village, said he brought his mother for medical checks and she received treatment for ulcer.
“This is fantastic and life-saving for our community. I thank the organizers and urge them to keep returning to help us,” he said.
Mr Donatus Ede from Ashi-Owo Village thanked NAS for the intervention, saying it had brought hope to the community.
“This is very nice. We want this outreach organized regularly. You have indeed brought us smiles,” he said.
Mrs Eucharia Amuche described the programme as a source of hope, noting that she was tested and treated for malaria.
Another beneficiary, Mr Cyril Ani, said the outreach was a dream come true.
“I came to complain about my sight. After being checked, they gave me eyeglasses. This has been a long-standing challenge for me,” he said.
