The Nigerian Army, 2 brigade over the weekend began a free medical outreach in Akwa Ibom state as part of the activities marking it’s exercise in the state christened, Operation Crocodile Smile IV.
The Commanding Officer, 2 Brigade Medical Center in Uyo, Maj. Oghenevo Emadia, told journalists in Uyo on Sunday that more than 800 persons resident in Idoro community of the state including the elderly benefitted from the free medical outreach.
He said that aside from drugs and other medications given to patients, children were also dewormed during the exercise.
His words, “To Flag-off the exercise, Operation Crocodile Smile IV, we earmarked Idoro community which serves as the host community for our Brigade Garrison.
“We came here with skill personnels, like Medical Doctors, Nurses, Eye Specialists, Pharmacists and Laboratory Scientists to come and provide free medical services.
“Our target population is 800 persons since we have other outreach in other parts of the state. Drugs and all medical services have been provided.
“The treatment research ailments noticed among the elderly are diabetes, hypertension, body pains and all others.
“For children, the most prevalent ailments are malaria, viral throat infection and water-born disease which we have provided medical service to cater for all of that. In this free medical service we are not only providing drugs, but also medication on personal and environmental hygiene.
“over 800 persons in Idoro community in Akwa Ibom have benefited from free medical services rendered today by the Nigerian army.”
The Guest of Honour on the occasion, Mr Akpan Ikim, Chairman Akwa Ibom State Waste Management, commended the Nigerian Army for their free medical service, stressing that the gesture has changed the perception of the people towards the army.
Ikim said that the Idoro community would remain grateful to the military for the humanitarian services rendered.
“Operation Crocodile Smile is something we must embrace and assist, we must thank you immensely today because what you have done for us, we will never forget.
“It is something that will remain in our mind and it is something the host community (Idoro) and the entire people of Akwa Ibom will continue to appreciate. Thank you very much for this gesture.
“As indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, we will continue to support the Army in anyway we can, to make sure that Operation Crocodile Smile IV is a success,” Ikim said.
Speaking to one of the beneficiaries, Chief Edem Akpan, Village Head of Idoro community, appreciated the army for their free medical outreach, adding that a lot of people who could not go to hospital because of money willingly came out to access the free medical outreach.
Another beneficiary, Mr Dennis Isaiah, Chaiman village council commended the Nigerian Army for the exercise, adding that the less privileged in the community, who could not afford to buy card in the hospital really appreciated the army for the free medical outreach.
“I thank them particularly for the drugs given to me, may God bless and protect them,” he said.
