By Christiana Ukung Alawa
The Cross River State House of Assembly in collaboration with the Revival Valley Ministries International Church and Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River branch have organized a one day free medical screening exercise in the State; for the people of Essien town, Ekorinim and its environs in particular.
Hon. Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Chairman House Committee on Health, while addressing the people, stated that the legislature desires that the citizens of the State should be healthy at all cost.
According to him, because of the poor standard of health facilities and personnel in the State, the House had pushed a step further to embrace and partner with the NMA and Revival Church to ensure that people were treated for free.
He concluded by encouraging participants to take the services serious noting that all the services rendered are free and that the House in its wisdom will continue to partner with all relevant stakeholders in ensuring that the gap created by inadequate personnel and facilities is bridged.
The Vice Chairman of NMA, Dr. Effa Emmanuel while speaking welcomed everyone present as he expressed high hopes that the outreach program will go a long way in ameliorating some health challenges faced by the people of the area.
According to him the free health services is part of activities to mark this year’s physician week which they are observing as a union.
Dr. Effa promised that the NMA team will continue to offer more of their services free across the length and breadth of the State to enable those who otherwise cannot afford to get tested and treated to do so at no cost.
Speaking to our reporter, Mrs. Emem Njang, a participant said the exercise is the best thing that happened in the community in recent times while lamenting the stress in hospitals. She was glad there was no stress at all to get the free medical services and the drugs were all free and advised those who didn’t come out to find time from their busy schedule to enjoy these benefits.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Festus Eyiri, a driver who came to drop a passenger was happy he didn’t miss out. Sowing excitement, he promised to go home and bring his whole family to benefit from the free health exercise.
The services rendered at the outreach which held at the church premises include blood sugar test, blood pressure, malaria, urine check, kidney function test and eye check up.
Leave feedback about this