Regional Development Ministry Offers Free Medical Services To 5,000 Persons In Edo

BENIN – The Federal Ministry of Regional Development has declared that no fewer than 5,000 persons will benefit from its one week free healthcare services in Edo.

Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh stated this at the weekend during the flag-off of the one week Medical Outreach held in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo state.

Engr Momoh who was represented by the Director of Community Development and Education of the ministry, Festus Wasa said the healthcare services would be carried out in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

He said the free medical outreach affirmed the federal government’s commitment in improving the well-being of the Edo residents.

“The one week free medical treatment by the ministry of regional development is undertaken by Derum Global Services with a target of treating 5000 people of different ailments in the state.

“This medical exercise is part of the ministry’s mandates of ensuring development of various regions as only the healthy that can contribute to national development,” Momoh said

The free health services, the minister further said, is aimed at promoting the well-being of indigent persons at the grassroots by granting them easier access to free and quality healthcare.

The Project Coordinator, Derums Global Services Limited, Dr. Omeco Ekorhi listed the medical outreach to include general surgery, eye surgery, free eye glasses, gynaecology, general consultation, fibroid operation, checking of high blood pressure, diabetes, malaria test as well as the distribution of free drugs.

He said the essence of the programme was to bring free medical care to the door step of the people who ordinarily cannot afford such and also to complement government effort in providing health care to the people.

“We want to thank the minister for giving us the opportunity to add value to the health care of the people of Edo,” Ekorhi said.

He, however, advised residents of the state to imbibe personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness as preventive measures against an outbreak.

Some of the beneficiaries thanked the ministry and Momoh for the gesture.

“This is a great initiative from the ministry and we appreciate Momoh for the outreach,” they said.