By Obiabin Onukwugha
Over 2,000 persons have benefitted from a two-day free medical services provided by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder on Monday and Tuesday.
The medical outreach is part of the Nigeria Navy’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and non-kinetic efforts of Operation Delta Sanity 4 marking end-of-year 2024.
The outreach aimed at reaching out to the civil populace and its host communities were carried out in Opobo community in Opobo/Nkoro local government and Nkpor Community, Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor local government areas of Rivers State.
The communities were treated of blood pressure, blood sugar, hepatitis B and C, malaria, urine tests, and general medical treatment, including the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets for children and pregnant women.
Speaking during the exercise at Nkpor village on Tuesday, the Commander NNS Pathfinder, Rumuolumeni, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, stated that the medical rhapsody is in line with Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogala’s Admiralty Model vision, mission and strategic directive.
He said the essence is to give medical services to those who are less privileged and those who may not have the time to visit medical centres within both communities.
A resident of Opobo community and beneficiary, Anthony Oko-Jaja, thanked the Navy for the consistency in giving free medicare to the community.
Another resident of Opobo, Wariopuorubo Christianah Dienye Belgam, said she was treated of arthritis.
Another resident of Nkpor, Nnaji Nkem, said she and her child were treated of malaria, worm and blood sugar. She said she was also given free treated mosquito net.
In their separate comments, Dr. Dienye Belgam, representative of the Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja and Traditional Ruler of Rumuolumeni Community, Eze Ikechi Wagbara, represented by Chief Rowland Wagbara, expressed their gratitude to the Navy for the gesture.