By Peter Nwokoro, Asaba
DELTA: The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates
Confraternity), commonly known as NAS, has launched a free medical outreach at
the weekend in Egini, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, providing
essential healthcare services to the community.
This initiative is part of NAS’s quarterly program,
aims to address the medical needs of underserved communities and advocate for
improved healthcare access.
Leading the outreach, Dr. Kenechukwu Eneli, NAS First
Mate and Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized the organization's commitment
to impacting lives at every stop.
He said, “Today, we’re here in Egini to bring
healthcare directly to the people because our organization exists to assist
those in need and amplify voices that may otherwise go unheard."
Dr. Eneli, a U.S.-based medical practitioner,
explained that, "the outreach offered free diagnosis, treatment, and
referrals, targeting conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and malaria."
NAS’s Second Mate, Chief Bart Akelemor, a UK-based
healthcare professional, highlighted the broader mission behind the medical
outreach, stating, "Our medical mission began in 2010 to provide
healthcare support to rural communities lacking access to medical facilities.
We find many people avoid hospitals due to high treatment costs and instead
seek care from local chemists or native healers.”
He added, "By coming here, we’re not only
offering direct medical care but also sending a message to the government. When
we witness health facility deficiencies, like the lack of doctors, we bring it
to the authorities' attention.”
Dr. Odoemena Chiazor, a member of NAS’s medical team,
detailed the outreach’s structure, noting that serious cases were referred to
Warri’s Central Hospital. Also said, "This mission is focused on
consultation, treatment, and necessary referrals. We already arranged with
Central Hospital, Warri, to handle follow-ups for referred patients," he
said.
Dr. Chiazor further called on the government
tostrengthen primary healthcare facilities. Saying, “Health management starts
at the grassroots. We need more doctors and nurses here in Egini and across Udu
LGA to handle primary health cases effectively,” he added.
On his part, the Udu Local Government Chairman, Hon.
Vincent Oyibode, praised NAS for its intervention, underscoring its value to
the community. According to him, "The Seadogs have not only provided free
healthcare to Egini but extended services to the larger Udu community. This
gesture is commendable and supports our local health facilities, which often
struggle with resources,” he said. Oyibode urged residents to utilize the
program fully, expressing gratitude for NAS’s support.
NAS Welfare Committee representative, Ejim Chiadikobi,
traveled from Port Harcourt to support the outreach and also benefited from the
care provided. “I came for an eye check-up and received treatment here. Our
mission is to reach those without healthcare access, and today I can attest to
its impact,” he shared.
Residents of Egini were grateful for the outreach.
President-General of Egini, Dolor Patrick, noted that the outreach saved them
transportation costs and provided quality care at their doorstep. “To access
care at the General Hospital costs around ?600 just in transport. NAS’s
presence here saves us that expense,” he said.
Similarly, Mama Joy Onogharefe, a local resident
treated for typhoid and malaria, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The
treatment was free, thanks to NAS. I was previously asked to pay ?25,000
elsewhere, but today I got it all here without charge.”
With over 500 residents already served, NAS has
alleviated significant healthcare burdens in Egini and plans to continue
expanding its outreach efforts across Nigeria, ensuring rural communities
receive quality healthcare, others and advocacy support.
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