The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) also known as pyrates confraternity says no fewer than 700 persons would benefit from its free healthcare services under its medical outreach programmes.
Mr Dirisu Odion, the Capoon Hybrid Deck, (Edo North) NAS disclosed this at one day free medical mission held in Ubiane, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo, on Saturday.
Odion said the programme, tagged “NAS Medical Mission”, is in collaboration with Key Health Pharmaceutical and Store, Auchi.
According to him, the programme Is aimed at promoting the wellbeing of indigent persons at the grassroots by granting them easier access to free and quality healthcare.
“The National association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) cardinal objective is to protect the weak in the society.
“This free health services is a part of our humanitarian service to assist rural communities to meet their health needs.
“We did our survey and at the end, Ubiane was chosen as the next community to benefit from the free healthcare service,” Odion said.
Dr Lateef Abu, the team leader of the medical officials said that the outreach targeted indigent people in rural communities on key areas such as general consultation and surgical referrals.
Others, according to him, are screening for common ailments among the elderly and children; diabetes, malaria test, sugar test, blood pressure test, hypertension and deworming of little children, among others.
“During the exercise medical volunteers will carry out diagnosis, treatment and medical procedures while drugs, eye glasses and other medical consumables are also given to patients free of charge,” Abu said.
Abu said that the association also focused on sensitising the people toward handling threats posed by deadly viral diseases to complement government efforts in preventing diseases.
He urged communities to imbibe personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness as preventive measures against outbreak of any disease.
“Health is wealth; people should take their health seriously, when they hear anything, especially free medical care, they should come out en-mass and use the opportunity to test themselves,’’ Abu said.
The village head of Ubiane, Chief Mukhtar Umoru and some of the beneficiaries thanked the foundation for the gesture and urged people in the community to come out en mass for the free medical service.
“This is the first time Ubiane community is witnessing free medical services.
“This is a great initiative and we appreciate Association of Seadogs for the outreach,” they said.
The National Association of Seadogs is an independent, humanitarian organisation offering free medical care to indigent across the world.
The organisation is a volunteer group engaged in health care promotion in disadvantaged communities.
