No fewer than 900 residents of Idundu community in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River on Friday benefitted from medical outreach organised by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS).
The association said that the initiative was part of its quarterly program aimed at meeting the medical needs of underserved populations and advocating for better healthcare access.
The NAS President, Dr Joseph Otere, emphasised that the association recognised government’s limitations in addressing all citizens’] needs, hence, its association intervention.
According to him, NAS is committed to supporting humanity and the less fortunate.
Otere explained that the communities lacking sufficient assistance from the government or others were identified during the organisation’s quarterly meeting.
He further explained that on visiting the selected communities, necessary care were provided through a range of professionals, including doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists, and pharmacists.
He said that the group maintained a database of its activities, adding that its Warri outreach recorded about 500 beneficiaries while those needing additional care were promptly referred to specialists for more support.
According to Otere, we originally planned this medical mission at a primary healthcare facility but discovered they lacked water.
“Consequently, we arranged for the installation of a new borehole, which will be inaugurated tomorrow by the state health commissioner.
“We always keep the state government informed about our missions to enable them to follow up with any assistance needed as we don’t just provide temporary solutions,” Otere said.
Dr. Odoemena Chiazor, the medical team leader, provided insights into the organisation’s outreach, noting that serious cases would be referred to a General Hospital in Calabar.
He explained that the organisation covered minimal cost for external participants as well as all material and supplies while the organisation’s professionals volunteered their time and resource.
“Following each mission, we analyse the data collected to identify prevalent health issues in the community.
“We then communicate our findings to the state government and make recommendations for further action.
“If additional follow-up is required, our secondary chapters in the community will continue the support,” he stated.
The NAS medical outreach team leader, however, disclosed that 20 doctors participated in the Friday’s exercise.
Expressing gratitude, the Clan Head of Ukpong Atai Clan in Akpabuyo, Etinyin Robert Archibong, commended NAS for its efforts, describing the gesture as remarkable.
“I am thrilled to have them here and sincerely thank NAS for this medical mission.
‘’I hope they consider returning to our village for future projects, as I stand ready to host them,” he remarked.
Residents of Idundu and nearby areas expressed their gratitude for the outreach, saying that it not only reduced their transportation expenses, but also offered high-quality care right at their doorstep.
