Several residents in Rivers on Monday benefited from free malaria, eye treatment, and some other healthcare services offered by the Nigerian Army 6 Division, Port Harcourt.

Among beneficiaries of the exercise were some elderly persons, youths, and children from the Afam community in the Oyibo Local Government Area of the state.

Maj.-Gen. Sanni Mohammed, the General Officer Commanding of 6 Division inaugurated the one-day medical outreach as part of activities to mark the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2021.

Represented by the division’s Signal Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Edore Agbebaku, Mohammed said the army desired to render free healthcare services to the people who could not afford to treat themselves.

According to him, army personnel live among the people and also feel the impulses of the people it swear to protect.

Col. Samson Idowu, the Team Leader for the medical outreach said that residents were presented with an opportunity to check and know their health statuses.

“So, we are offering free medical consultations, laboratory investigations, eye care services, and glasses, HIV counseling and testing as well as health education

“We are also offering residents free diagnosis and treatment for malaria as part of activities marking NADCEL 2021.

“Residents will also check their HIV status, blood pressure, sugar levels, height, weight, and other laboratory services,” he said.

Idowu said that drugs would be given free to patients suffering from malaria, typhoid fever, diabetes, and hypertension, among others.

The army officer said that correctional glasses would also be issued free to those diagnosed with visual impairments.

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The Chairman of Oyibo LGA, Ugochukwu Akara, thanked the army for organizing the medical outreach and urged other organisations to emulate the army.

He said that residents in the area had a negative perception of the army due to the alleged high-handedness of some personnel during recent military operations.

“So, this shows that the army is not only about war but also has a human face to the health needs of the people,” he added.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Felicia Uwalaka, who received screening and treatment for an undisclosed ailment, commended the army for initiating the programme.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Temple Nwankwo, expressed delight about the medical outreach and called for its sustenance.