At least 2,520 residents of four communities around Enugu metropolis have so far benefited from the free and comprehensive medical outreach organised by the Nigerian Army.
The General Officer Commanding of the 82 Division, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said this on Monday, while formally declaring the event open.
Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Staff of the division, Brig.-Gen. Greg Omorogbe, said the medical outreach was meant to cement the existing relationship between the army and civil populace.
According to him, the exercise was part of the activities lined up to commemorate the 158th anniversary (1863–2021) of the Nigerian Army.
He said the organisation pays due attention to the security and wellbeing of members of its host community, which encompasses all Area of Responsibility.
“Apart from being an exercise to herald our 158th anniversary, it will generally improve Civil-Military-Cooperation meant to boost overall military-civil relations,” he said.
Lagbaja expressed the hope that the programme, which was targeted at the less privileged and indigent persons in the communities, would reduce the health burden of the beneficiaries and communities at large.
The communities included Nchatancha Nike, Obinagu Nike, Akpoga Nike and Mbulujodo Nike, all within Enugu East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The medical services included free consultation and treatment, free dental checks and treatment, free eye checks and eye glasses, free wheel chairs and crutches and free insecticide treated mosquito nets.
In a speech, the Chairman of the LGA, Mr Alex Ugwu, thanked the 82 Division for the great opportunity given to the people to access quality healthcare and other health consumables at no cost.
“We are sincerely grateful to the Nigerian Army for the huge amount of money it spent in putting this elaborate event together, Ugwu, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Melitus Anike, said.
Igwe Gabriel Okoh, the Traditional Ruler of Mbulujodo Nike Community, also thanked the Nigerian Army for bringing the programme to the doorsteps of his subjects and other neighbouring communities.
“We will continue to pray for the success of the Nigerian Army and God’s guidance and protection as they defend the nation,’’ Okoh said.
Mrs Favour Akaji, who got mosquito net, expressed gratitude to the organisation for the items which, according to her, will help to protect her and her unborn baby.
“God will continue to bless the Nigerian Army and members of their families as they have decided to remember me and my unborn child today,’’ Akaji said.
A recipient of a free wheelchair, Mr Micheal Nwoye, lauded the organisation for lifting the burden of buying a modern wheelchair from him and his family.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise also featured health counseling and how to prepare health diets from locally sourced ingredients.
The health issues that were more prevalent during diagnoses included malaria, typhoid fever and diarrhea, among others. (NAN)