AKPABUYO – The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) on Friday conducted a free medical mission in Ukpong Atai Clan, Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State, as part of its quarterly humanitarian outreach.
Dr Joseph Oteri, President of NAS, stated that the association regularly organises such medical missions to support underserved communities.
“We’re here because we are doing a free medical mission, and this is something we will be doing regularly. We do it every quarter during our meetings, though various chapters also conduct theirs more frequently. We select communities that are not receiving adequate support from the government and provide them with necessary medical assistance,” he said.
According to Dr Oteri, the mission featured a team of medical professionals, including doctors, dentists, and ophthalmologists, who provided free consultations, treatments, and medications.
“We use the professionals we have within our system to support humanity. We also maintain a database of our activities and refer patients who require specialised care to tertiary health facilities, such as the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where our members facilitate their treatment,” he added.
The NAS medical mission in Akpabuyo aimed to cater to at least 500 patients, similar to a previous outreach in Warri. In addition to medical services, NAS identified the lack of potable water at the community’s Primary Healthcare Centre and commissioned the construction of a borehole, which is set to be inaugurated with the Cross River State Commissioner for Health.
“Well, for this one, we’re targeting 500 or more, based on what we’ve got in Warri.
“We’re supposed to do this medical mission at the Primary Healthcare Centre, and we’re told they don’t have good water. So, we commissioned somebody to do a fresh borehole for them,” Dr Oteri said.
Dr Odemene Chiazor, a General Practitioner and Coordinator of the NAS Free Medical Mission, highlighted that the initiative is funded entirely by NAS members, with some support from external volunteers.
“Everything used here is from our personal contributions. After each mission, we review our findings, analyse prevalent health conditions in the community, and communicate recommendations to the government for necessary interventions,” he stated.
On his part, HRH Etiyin Robert Archibong, Clan Head of Ukpong Atai Clan, expressed gratitude for the initiative and urged NAS to make the community a recurring site for future missions.
“I am so happy to have them here. I appeal to them to continue supporting us, and I am ready to host them anytime they wish to return,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries thanked NAS for coming to their aid in times like this when the nation is facing one of its highest hardships in history.
Converseer reports that drugs, medicated glasses, and other health consumables were also given to the beneficiaries.
The NAS free medical mission underscores the organisation’s commitment to community development and healthcare support across Nigeria.