By Inyali Peter
A lecturer in the Department of Computer Science in Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Mr. Otiko Tony Monday, has organized free medical check up and counselling for students of the institution.
The medical outreach which held at the main campus of the institution on Monday, November 30 2015 saw students of the five faculties in the campus, Engineering, Environmental Science, Communication Technology, Education, and Science tested for Malaria, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Blood Pressure (BP) as well as being counselled by medical experts on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle such as having regular exercises to keep fit.
Otiko who is an alumnus of the varsity in his remarks said the gesture was borne out of his desire to reciprocate, “I think it is necessary I give back to my alma mater that molded me in all ramifications” adding that the program was not for praise singing but to add value to humanity.
The former Speaker of the Students Union Government (SUG) Parliament further explained that students seem not to pay adequate attention to their health condition due to tight schedules, hence the need to take the medical outreach down to their door steps.
He also called on private hospitals operating in the state to subsidize medical charges for students, and lamented that high medical charges especially in private hospitals scare students from going to well equipped hospitals for check ups and possible treatment.
The program which was themed “Re-Igniting the Health Consciousness of CRUTECH Students in the 21st century” according to Otiko, was not his individual effort, but a collaboration with the Institution’s medical center and the Forum of Past SUG Parliamentarians of the Varsity.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to CrossRiverWatch expressed joy over the free exercise gesture
Blessing Ika Itam, a 200 level Biochemistry student in the Department of Chemical Sciences said the free medical outreach brought to them was the first of its kind she had witnessed since gaining admission and urged the University’s management to equip its medical center.
Also, Helen Ogar a final year student in the Department of Mass Communication lauded the gesture and appealed to graduates of the Varsity who are doing well to borrow a leave from the sponsor and give back to their alma mater.
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