The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced a free medical screening, diagnosis, and treatment program for approximately 900 residents of its host community, Rumuomasi, in Rivers State.
Group Capt. Abdulafeez Opaleye, Commander of the 115 Special Operations Group, NAF, Port Harcourt, disclosed this on Saturday during a one-day medical outreach organized to mark NAF’s 61st anniversary.
The beneficiaries, including senior citizens, youths, and children, would have the opportunity to assess their health status.
“The NAF organised this medical outreach to provide free healthcare services to underprivileged individuals who have limited access to medical facilities,” Opaleye said.
The medical outreach includes free medical consultations, eye and dental checks, laboratory tests, medications, and corrective glasses.
Opaleye said that the exercise was part of NAF’s social responsibility initiatives, adopted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
Every Air Force unit across the country is conducting a similar free medical outreach in its host communities to strengthen civil-military relations.
The air force commander reiterated NAF’s commitment to continually provide essential services to its host Rumuomasi community.
Air Commodore Joseph Igbodo, Commander of the NAF Reference Hospital, Port Harcourt, further explained that the medical checks include screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria, typhoid fever, eyesight, and HIV, among others.
Beneficiaries would also receive free medications, medical advice, and treatment for common illnesses, while more serious conditions will be referred to appropriate medical facilities.
“We will also provide corrective eyeglasses to individuals diagnosed with visual impairments as part of our social corporate responsibility.
“We recognise the difficulties many communities face in accessing quality healthcare, and we are here to support them in addressing their health challenges, ” he said.
The beneficiaries commended the air force for initiating the programme.
Mrs Blessing Amadi, 61, who was screened and treated for an undisclosed ailment, noted that most residents were unable to afford medical consultations and treatment due to the rising cost of healthcare services in the country.
Chief Life Onwuchekwa, a farmer, expressed appreciation for the medical outreach and called for its continuation.
The NAF’s medical outreach demonstrates its commitment to providing essential services to its host communities and promoting civil-military relations.
