From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, on Wednesday carried out free medical care and treatment to the rural inhabitants of the Ebonyi State.
Speaking during the event held at the Onicha Central School in the Onicha Local Government Area, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy Dawuda, said, "the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) is a carefully thought out and well-packaged programme by the NYSC targeted at bringing free medical care to the doorsteps of the indigent and vulnerable persons in our rural communities, who lack access to proper medical care as at when necessary."
The State Coordinator also used the medium to inform the community people that the HIRD programme was first held in the State on October 2015 at Abakaliki Local Government Council Headquarters Nkaliki and subsequently at Ezza North and South LGAs, Ebonyi LGA, Izzi LGA, Ohaukwu LGA, among others.
She described the programme as a "unique initiative of the NYSC," which "has grown in leaps and bounds, positively impacting on the overall health care needs of the good people of Ebonyi State in particular and Nigeria in general."
The Coordinator disclosed that the feedback from the communities who had benefited from the HIRD since its inaugural edition abounds in the joy of the beneficiaries whose health has been improved and their lives made better.
She expressed joy that the Scheme has continued to march forward, having just attained 49years of existence and Ebonyi State clocking 26years of creation, and however, urged all hands to be on deck to ensure that the people, both the young and old enjoy quality health care delivery as a catalyst for development.
She commended the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Mohammed Fada for having in his resolve, affirmed that, "the Scheme will continue to remain committed, dedicated and focused in bringing smiles to the faces of the downtrodden and the poor masses in our communities, who ordinarily would not afford hospital bills, through regular implementation of the HIRD programme.
"It is in the light of the above, that I wish to encourage all of you gathered here today to take full advantage of the free medical care provided by the NYSC HIRD programme."
Mrs Bamai appreciated the government and good people of Ebonyi State for their support of the NYSC Scheme and the provision of a conducive atmosphere for the Scheme to thrive in the State.
She equally commended the contributions of the council chairman, community leaders and stakeholders for the mobilization of their people for the great programme, while appreciating the Corps Medical Team, for their immense roles to facilitate the event for the benefit of humanity in the state.
