PORT HARCOURT (Sundiata Post) – The 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says that NAF has commenced free medical screening, diagnosis, and treatment for about 900 residents of its host community, Rumuomasi, in Rivers,.
Group Capt. Abdulafeez Opaleye, Commander of Special Operations Group, NAF, Port Harcourt, disclosed this on Saturday during a one-day medical outreach organised to mark NAF’s 61st anniversary.
Opaleye, represented by Wing Cdr. Bashir Adamu, Commandant of NAF Secondary School, Port Harcourt, stated that the beneficiaries, including senior citizens, youths, and children, would have the opportunity to assess their health status.
“The NAF organised this medical outreach to provide free healthcare services to underprivileged individuals who have limited access to medical facilities,” he said.
He added that residents would receive free medical consultations, eye and dental checks, laboratory tests, medications, and corrective glasses.
“This exercise is organised to mark NAF’s 61st anniversary and it’s one of the initiatives adopted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, as part of our social responsibility.
“In light of this, every Air Force unit across the country is conducting a similar free medical outreach in its host communities today, to strengthen civil-military relations,’’ Opaleye stated.
The air force commander reiterated NAF’s commitment to continually provide essential services to its host Rumuomasi community.
Speaking also, Air Commodore Joseph Igbodo, Commander of the NAF Reference Hospital, Port Harcourt, further explained that the checks included screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria, typhoid fever, eyesight, and HIV, among others.
He said that beneficiaries would also receive free medications, medical advice, and treatment for common illnesses, while more serious conditions would be referred to appropriate medical facilities.
“We will also provide corrective eyeglasses to individuals diagnosed with visual impairments as part of our social corporate responsibility.
“We recognise the difficulties many communities face in accessing quality healthcare, and we are here to support them in addressing their health challenges.
“These efforts demonstrate that the Nigerian Air Force is not merely a combat institution, but a compassionate and people-oriented force.” Igbodo said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Blessing Amadi, 61, who was screened and treated for an undisclosed ailment, commended the air force for initiating the programme.
She noted that most residents were unable to afford medical consultations and treatment due to the rising cost of healthcare services in the country.
Another beneficiary, Chief Life Onwuchekwa, a farmer, expressed appreciation for the medical outreach and called for its continuation. (NAN)
