The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Thursday launched the 2026 Second Quartre Medical Outreach of its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) in Umuahia North LGA of Abia.
The ceremony took place at the Umuda-Isingwu Community Hall.
Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Yunusa Tanimu, described HIRD as one of the Scheme’s flagship community development interventions.
He said that the initiative aimed at bridging healthcare gaps in rural and underserved communities.
He said the outreach, sponsored by the Chima Anyaso Foundation, offered free medical consultation, health screening, dental care, eye examination, immunisation, health education and counselling to residents.
“The HIRD mobilises corps medical personnel, supported with medical equipment, drugs and other supplies donated by public-spirited individuals and organisations, to provide free healthcare services,” Tanimu said.
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He commended the Chairman of Umuahia North LGA, Mr Smart Iheoma, traditional rulers and community leaders for their support.
Tanimu urged residents to take full advantage of the services.
He also appealed to stakeholders and corporate organisations to partner with NYSC to extend the initiative to more rural communities across the state.
The outreach was being conducted by a team of 34 corps medical personnel.
They comprised doctors, a dentist, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, pharmacists, optometrists, health information officers, and a physiotherapist.
The programme also featured a health talk session for residents on disease prevention and healthy living.
Beneficiaries trooped out en masse for the exercise.
One of them, Mrs Juliana Ikpeama, expressed gratitude to NYSC.
“Diseases like malaria, typhoid, and blood pressure are common here. We are grateful to the organisers.
“We wish they could do this for us from time to time because health is wealth,” she said.
(NAN)
