Navy offers free medical outreach to over 300 residents in Ijora

Navy

As part of the activities marking the 61st anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, the Western Naval Command has given free medical services to over 300 residents of the Ijora community in Lagos.

The event which held on Saturday the May 27, 2017, included free consultation for various health concerns, HIV/AIDS screening and provision of drugs to patients.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Western Naval Command, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ette Ibas, who was represented by the Surgeon Commander Ugowchi Nzeribe, stated that the exercise was part of corporate social responsibility of the Nigerian Navy.

Speaking at the event, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ette stated that the free medical outreach has the basic aim of enhancing the health status of Nigerians as well as improve the civil/military relationship.

He said, “The Navy is organising a medical outreach across all its commands and we have graciously chosen Ijora community for this year’s outreach.

“This a demonstration of the Navy’s commitment towards rendering corporate social responsibility to its host community.

“We are rendering free health talks, medical check-up and consultations, laboratory investigations, malaria and blood sugar tests and drugs.’’

The medical exercise also covered free blood pressure check, eye examination, issuance of free eye glasses as well as de-worming drugs for children and adults.

He further noted, “Navy medical expert will give public health talks on topical issues relating to the HIV/AIDS, malaria, environment, personal and oral hygiene.

“Our target is to render the medical service to children, the elderly and pregnant women.

“Drugs provided included pain relievers and multivitamins, among others.

“The medical team will also distribute treated mosquito nets to pregnant women and nursing mothers to protect against mosquito bites,’’ he said.

One of the beneficiaries of the exercise, Mrs Titilayo Salawu, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy saying that she was happy for the gesture. She also prayed that the Navy would continue to record successes in its assigned responsibilities.

The traditional ruler of Ijoraland, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, expressed appreciation to the Navy for the gesture. He urged his people to take advantage of the outreach to improve their health status by using the drugs provided as prescribed.

In his words, “I am impressed and grateful for what the Navy has brought to my community and I hope other corporate organisations will emulate this gesture.

“The Navy has shown a high level of civil-military relations with this gesture which it organised every year.”

Another beneficiary, Mr Olarenwaju Salako,who received free eyeglasses, praised the effort of the Nigerian Navy. He also advised the exercise be repeated from time to time.