By Chukwudi Obasi
The National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, conducted medical outreach over the weekend in the Idundu community and nearby areas within the Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, delivering vital healthcare services to residents.
The medical outreach, which attracted more than 900 residents of the Idundu community, aimed to meet the medical needs of remote populations and advocate for better healthcare access.
The outreach was also part of the Quarter 2 Pyrates Working Council meeting hosted by the association’s Jokaina Deck (Calabar Municipality/Odukpani).
The NAS Capn, Dr Joseph Otere, emphasised that the association recognised the government’s limitations in addressing all citizen needs, hence the association’s intervention.
He said, “NAS is committed to supporting humanity and the less fortunate. During our quarterly meetings, we identify communities lacking sufficient assistance from the government or others.
“When we visit these areas, we provide necessary care through a range of professionals, including doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists, and pharmacists.
“We maintain a database of our activities. For instance, our last outreach in Warri served around 500 patients, and we promptly refer those needing additional care to specialists to ensure ongoing support rather than just a one-time service,” he explained.
He added, “We originally planned this medical mission at a primary healthcare facility but discovered they lacked water.
“Consequently, we arranged to install a new borehole, which will be inaugurated tomorrow with the state’s health commissioner.
“We always inform the state government about our missions to enable them to follow up with any assistance needed, as we don’t just provide temporary solutions.”
The medical mission team lead, Dr Odoemena Chiazor, provided insights into the outreach’s organisation, noting that serious cases would be referred to a General Hospital in Calabar.
He said, “Our organisation comprises many professionals who volunteer their time and resources, with NAS covering minimal costs for external participants. NAS provided all materials and supplies for the outreach.
“Following each mission, we analyse the data collected to identify prevalent health issues in the community. We then communicate our findings to the state government and recommend further action. If additional follow-up is required, our secondary chapters in the community continue the support.”
The NAS medical outreach team leader disclosed that 20 doctors participated in the exercise.
Expressing gratitude, the Clan Head of the Ukpong Atai Clan in Akpabuyo, Etinyin Robert Archibong, commended NAS for their efforts and described their gesture as remarkable.
“I am thrilled to have them here and sincerely thank NAS for this medical mission. I hope they consider returning to our village for future projects, as I stand ready to host them,” he remarked.
Residents of Idundu and nearby areas expressed gratitude for the outreach, highlighting that it reduced their transportation expenses and offered high-quality care at their doorstep.
