Navy gives free medicare to people of Ogbaru in Anambra (health)
ONITSHA – No fewer than 400 residents of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra on Thursday benefited from the free medical services of the Nigerian Navy.
The exercise took place at Odekpe community near Onitsha to commemorate the 58th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
Declaring the exercise open, the Commanding Officer of the Naval Outpost in the area, Navy Capt. Mike Oamen, said it was a way of bringing medical services to the doorsteps of the host community.
Oamen said the exercise was in appreciation of the land acquired for the construction of the naval outpost.
“We are commending the council as well as Odekpe community for their harmonious relationship with the navy.
“The exercise will cover health seminar, counseling and data collation,’’ he said.
The Chairman of the council, Chief Victor Agolue, said that although the people of Ogbaru see the navy as providers of security, with this development, people are now beginning to understand that the navy also provides corporate social services to host communities.
Agolue noted that the council would consider teaming up with the navy to carry out the exercise quarterly.
“Criminals are now scared of carrying out any nefarious activity in Ogbaru, knowing that their chances of escape are lean as naval men are always on the road to track them down,’’ he said.
The traditional ruler of Odekpe, Igwe Chima Onyia, commended the navy for their gesture and pledged the community’s maximum cooperation.
The leader of the medical team, Dr Sifonobong Ekpa, who gave a brief health talk before the medical examinations and drugs prescription, advised the people on environmental hygiene and taking less starchy foods.
A beneficiary, Mrs Justina Ijeoma, commended the navy for the gesture and sued for its sustenance. (NAN)
