More than 1,000 people from a community in Rivers benefitted from free eye treatment and some other healthcare services organised by the Nigerian Navy.
Among the beneficiaries were the elderly, youths and children from Mgbu-Odohia in Rumuolumeni Community of Obio Akpo Local Government Area.
Commodore Sam Bura, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, inaugurated the programme tagged “Medical Rhapsody, 2017’’ in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Bura was represented by Lt.-Cdr. Chijioke Ogu, the Medical Officer in charge of Naval Medical Centre in NNS Pathfinder.
He said during the inauguration that correctional glasses would also be issued free to those diagnosed with visual impairment.
According to him, the NNS Pathfinder offers free medical services as part of its social responsibility to its host communities.
“It is a fact that glaucoma is a major cause of blindness, which can be treated when detected early.
“NNS Pathfinder feels it is important to mark the Easter holiday with free medical rhapsody, with a focus to prevent, detect, counsel and treat those diagnosed with the ailment.
“Apart from eye checks and free glasses, we also de-worm children and immunise them against the six killer diseases. Similarly, we are carrying out basic laboratory investigation of some health issues. Mosquito nets will be distributed free to both the elderly and the youth,” Bura said.
Bura also mentioned that those diagnosed with ailments would be treated in NNS Pathfinder’s medical centre. He said that the programme would be conducted regularly to enable more people to benefit.
The commander thanked the community for cooperating with personnel of the Nigerian Navy.
One of the beneficiaries, Chief Amadi Ekwenna, who received correctional glasses, commended the navy for initiating the programme.
Ekwenna, who is the Paramount Ruler of Rumuolumeni Community, urged the navy to expand the programme to cover other healthcare services.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwanekezie, expressed delight at the medical outreach and called for its sustenance.
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