By Sani Idris
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has offered free medical services to no fewer than 300 residents of Chikaji community in Sabon Gari, Zaria LGA of Kaduna State.
The medical services rendered included screening for malaria, typhoid, deworming, ulcer, diabetes, among others and medications were given to the beneficiaries.
Speaking at the outreach held at Government Girls Secondary School, Chikaji, Sabon Gari, the State Coordinator of NYSC in Kaduna, Mr Hassan Taura, said the outreach was part of the scheme’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD).
Taura, represented by Haruna Samaila, the Scheme’s Head of Community Development Service in Kaduna, said the HIRD aims to provide quality healthcare services to rural communities across the country.
According to him, the programme is a quarterly initiative that is aimed at providing medical services to rural dwellers who cannot afford the cost of healthcare.
He equally said that the programme aims at promoting the NYSC’s mandate of national integration, cohesion, and unity.
“The NYSC is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of rural dwellers, and this outreach programme is a testament to that commitment.
“Our corps members, who are healthcare professionals, have been working tirelessly to provide quality healthcare services to the community.
“We recognise that access to healthcare is a major challenge in rural areas, and that is why we are taking the services to the doorstep of the people.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to quality healthcare.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming, and we are grateful for the support.
“We will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that our services reach those who need them most,” Taura said.
He said that the corps members were not only providing medical services but also educating the community on healthy practices, disease prevention, and management.
“We believe that health education is key to empowering individuals and communities to take control of their health.
“We’re proud to be making a positive impact on the lives of rural dwellers, and we will continue to do so through our HIRD program.
We are committed to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities we serve,”the NYSC Coordinator said
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of Sabon Gari LGA, Mr Ibrahim Usman and the Village Head of Chikaji, Mr Shuaibu Muhammad, expressed gratitude to the NYSC for the medical outreach.
Usman was represented by the Chikaji Ward Councillor, Malam Babangida Abubakar.
The duo said the outreach had saved the residents lots of money on medical bills and has provided them with an opportunity to access quality healthcare services.
They commended the NYSC for the medical outreach programme, adding that it has brought relief to the community and has demonstrated the NYSC’s commitment to the well-being of rural dwellers.
Speaking on behalf of Chikaji Gidan Zumunchi Community Forum, who donated some drugs for the outreach, Muhammad Abdullahi, said the outreach was a testament of the NYSC’s commitment to promoting the health and well-being of communites.
Abdullahi commended the scheme for its demonstration and dedication to providing quality healthcare services to their community and others across the country.
Also, the medical team leader, a corps member, Dr Mansur Hassan, said the team provided appropriate treatment and counseling to the beneficiaries.
He emphasised the importance of health education, highlighting the need for communities to prioritise preventive care and seek medical attention early.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that medical team, consisted of corps members cut across different medical fields. (NAN)
