Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State have conducted a free medical outreach for traders at Ekeakpara Market, providing health screening, treatment and sensitization on healthy living.
The outreach featured free medical examinations, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, eye screening and consultation for other common health conditions. Essential medications were also distributed to beneficiaries after diagnosis.
Speaking with our correspondent, the leader of the medical team said the initiative was prompted by the growing health challenges faced by many petty traders who often lack the time and financial resources to seek regular medical attention.
He explained that the outreach was also aimed at complementing the efforts of the Abia State Government under Governor Dr. Alex Otti in revitalising the state’s healthcare sector through the rehabilitation and improvement of health facilities.
The team leader, however, identified poor community acceptance as one of the major challenges confronting corps members during Community Development Service (CDS) projects. According to him, some communities demand financial inducements before allowing corps members to execute development initiatives.
The outreach team comprised medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists who attended to patients and dispensed medications, including anti-malaria drugs, deworming tablets and anti-inflammatory drugs based on medical assessments.
On funding, the corps member disclosed that the outreach was made possible through support from philanthropists and partner organisations, noting that the cost of procuring medical equipment, diagnostic kits and drugs was beyond what corps members could fund through personal contributions alone.
Also speaking, a corps member, Mrs. Chinenye, expressed satisfaction with the success of the programme, saying it was fulfilling to provide healthcare services to people who might otherwise be unable to access them. She appealed to the state and local governments to support similar initiatives to enable them to reach more communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Kate, commended the corps members for their selfless service, describing the outreach as a demonstration of compassion and patriotism. She prayed for God’s protection and success for them throughout their service year and future careers.
Another trader, Mr. James Ukaonu, praised the initiative, saying the market community had never enjoyed such comprehensive free medical services and urged the corps members to sustain the programme.
