Army offers free medical treatment to 500 people in Imo community
The Nigerian Army on Tuesday offered free medical services to 500 persons in the Etekwuru community, Ohaji-Egbema council area of Imo.
Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Obinze, Owerri, Brig.-Gen. Sani Sulaiman, who flagged off the medical outreach in the community, said it was part of activities marking the commencement of the Army’s Exercise Golden Dawn II.
Sulaiman, represented by the Brigade’s Acting Garrison Commander, Lt.-Col. Abimbola Abolade, said the outreach was part of the Nigerian Army’s corporate social responsibility aimed at alleviating the plight of communities in their areas of operation.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya and the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Umar Musa, for their commitment to improved military-civilian relationship.
He assured the community of the Army’s continuous commitment to securing the lives and property of law abiding Nigerians.
“The Exercise Golden Dawn II was flagged off in Imo by Gov. Hope Uzodimma and we are here to kickstart the medical outreach as part of our civic responsibility.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the security of lives and property of law abiding Nigerians and we urge our compatriots to support government’s efforts for a better society,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Chinwendu Ndukwe, a middle aged woman, thanked the Brigade’s medical team for the relief she felt after a free physiotherapy session.
“I have been buying drugs from patent medicine dealers to no avail. But after this physiotherapy, I feel a lot better. I did not pay a dime and I’m grateful to the Nigerian Army,” she said.
Also, another beneficiary, Mr Fidelis Emmanuel, 72, said that the outreach was an important outing to people of the community as they had not experienced such in a long time.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the medical services offered were vital body check, laboratory diagnosis, eye treatment, dental care and physiotherapy.
Others were HIV testing and services, dispensing of drugs, general medical consultation and distribution of treated mosquito nets. (NAN)
