Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Over 2,000 people from Opobo and Nkpor communities in Rivers State have benefitted from a two-day free medical outreach organized by the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder.
The medical outreach which held on December 2nd and 3rd, 2024, was part of the Navy’s Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, and non-kinetic efforts under Operation Delta Sanity IV, aimed at supporting local communities.
The initiative offered free treatment for conditions such as high blood pressure, blood sugar, hepatitis B and C, malaria, and general medical issues, in addition, insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed to children and pregnant women, contributing to malaria prevention efforts.
Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of NNS Pathfinder, explained that the outreach aligned with the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogala, and was designed to provide healthcare to underserved populations who may not have regular access to medical services.
“The medical rhapsody was programed to give back to society, particularly the poor and less privileged who may not have access to medicare regularly. That is why we deemed it fit to organize a two-day medical rhapsody.
“Day one was yesterday at Opobo, where over 1,000 people were targeted and today we are doing it in Rumuolumeni community, being our host community, to give back to the people. With this, we offer them some free Medicare that they most likely may not get because of one reason or the other,” he stated.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen, lauded the Nigerian Navy for the gesture.
A resident of Opobo community and beneficiary, Anthony Oko-Jaja, who was treated of malaria, typhoid and ulcer, thanked the Navy for the consistency in giving free medicare to the community.
“They carried out a similar program last year and this year they are here again. I pray God blessed them,” he said.
Another resident of Opobo, Wariopuorubo Christianah Dienye Belgam, said she was treated of arthritis.
She said: “I have legs problem, I am suffering from arthritis and romanticism on my two legs but they have given me drugs. May God bless them and give them good health as they have the mind to treat us.”
Also, a resident of Nkpor Community, Mr. Friday John said: “I came here with my little son. My wife abandoned this child for me because of difficulties. We were treated of malaria and typhoid.”
