The Nigerian Navy Ship Luguard on Wednesday offered free medical treatment to over 1,000 residents and students of central senatorial district of Kogi State.

The free medical outreach  was  designed  to take quality health care  to the door steps of the people at the rural communities.

It covers health talk, general medical consultations, health education, eye check, glaucoma screening , high blood pressure test, blood sugar check, hepatitis B, C and treatment of minor ailments.

Other part of the medical  rhapsody includes issuance of eye glasses, distribution of treated mosquito nets and distribution of sanitary pads to female students of LGEA standard college.

Speaking during the flagging off  at LGEA Standard College, Iresuha-Inoziomi in Okene local government, Kogi central senatorial district on Wednesday, the Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Luguard, Commodore Adeshola Ojo,  said that the objective of the free medical outreach was to demonstrate the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its host communities.

According to him,  the gesture is in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of  Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas in safeguarding the nation as well as contributing positively to the socio-medical well-being of the  host communities.

Commodore Ojo said “The rhapsody embodies spirit of service and empathy, where we aim to provide essential healthcare support and awareness as well as foster a spirit of being your brother’s keeper. It serves as an avenue to healthcare awareness to the teenagers and basic medical services to the elderly”

He  charged medical personnel handling  the outreach to exhibit high level of professionalism that medical profession demands by ensuring that every patient is treated with the utmost care and respect.

He also urged students of the college and residents of host community to take full advantage of the services provided to improve on their health status.

Commodore Ojo  further commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing conducive environment for the success of the free medical treatment.

In his remark, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo who was represented at the occasion by the state Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadara (rtd),  pledged his   continuous  support for the sustenance of the programme in the state.

He commended Navy for putting in place the laudable health programme which he said has provided opportunity for the needy to asses quality health care at no cost.

The Governor disclosed that his administration has declared total war against bandits activities in all parts of the state, reiterating  that government is not ready to negotiate or pay ransom to the bandits.

Also in  his address, the state commissioner for  Health Dr. Abdullazeez Adams reaffirmed  the state government’s commitment to ensuring the comfort of medical personnel serving in both the urban and rural areas.

The commissioner who was represented by Dr. Kassim Onifade lauded Navy for the humanitarian service that will go a long way in complementing government’s efforts to boost healthcare in the state.