By Hauwa Ali
The Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar, has rendered free medical services to residents in Calabar to mark the 66th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
Nature news reports that the free medical service which was rendered to over two thousand residents was held at Kasuk Qua Clan community in Calabar on Tuesday, May 31.
According to Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Calabar, represented by Commodore Martins Fakrogha, the Administrative Officer of the Command, the free medical service, was part of the activities lined up in celebration oof the Nigerian Navy 66th anniversary celebration.
According to him, the Navy was committed to improving the health status of members of its host community and strengthen the relationship between the Navy and its host communities.
“The Nigerian Navy is carrying out this medical rhapsody in this community because we are committed towards improving the healthcare of our host communities.
“From today’s gesture, we are expecting to have about 2,000 beneficiaries.
“We are rendering free medical consultations, eye checks and distribution of glasses, dental checks, laboratory services, free drugs, blood sugar test, hepatitis test, distribution of mosquito nets among others,” he said.
He also stated that anyone discovered to have a serious ailment would be referred to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital for consultation while urging members of the community to always report cases of insecurity to the Navy for prompt and timely response.
The beneficiaries commended the Navy for their humanitarian services of offering free medical care.
Mr Patrick Okon-Edem, Clan Head of the benefiting community, while speaking on the gesture, thanked the Navy for always carrying them along in their activities, adding that the free medical service will improve on the health of members of the community.
He also called on other security agencies and corporate organisations to emulate the Navy.