900 Benefit from NAS Medical Outreach in Cross River Community
Judex OKORO
In its commitment to alleviating the health challenges faced in rural communities, no fewer than 900 residents of Idundu community of Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River have benefitted from medical outreach organised by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS).
The outreach is part of the association’s initiative quarterly program aimed at meeting the medical needs of underserved populations and advocating for better healthcare access.
The NAS President, Dr Joseph Otere, emphasised that the association recognised government's limitations in addressing all citizen needs, hence, the association intervention.
Otere 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 for the installation of a new borehole, which will be inaugurated tomorrow with the state’s health commissioner.
"We always keep the state government informed about our missions to enable them to follow up with any assistance needed, as we don't just provide temporary solutions."
Dr. Odoemena Chiazor, the medical team leader, provided insights into the outreach's organisation, noting that serious cases would be referred to a General Hospital in Calabar.
"Our organization comprises many professionals who volunteer their time and resources, with NAS covering minimal costs for external participants. All materials and supplies for the outreach were provided by NAS.
"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 make recommendations for further action. If additional follow-up is required, our secondary chapters in the community continue the support," he stated.
The NAS medical outreach team leader disclosed that 20 doctors participated in exercise held on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Commending NAS for its kind gesture, the Clan Head of Ukpong Atai Clan in Akpabuyo, Etinyin Robert Archibong, commended NAS for their efforts, describing their gesture as remarkable, adding "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.”
