Over 600 people in Kungbani and its adjoining communities in Lokoja local government area of Kogi State have benefited from the 2024 free medical rhapsody organized by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard.
The Commander NNS Lugard Banda, Commodore Tamuno
Senibo while speaking at the occasion held at LEA primary school Kungbani in Lokoja on Tuesday, stated that good health is not just about physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, but also embraces emotional well-being, occupational well-being and intellectual well-being amongst others.
Commodore Senibo said that NNS Lugard under the guidance of the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral E.I Ogalla recognize the pivotal role that good heath plays in national security and sustainable development.
He said , through various initiatives like today’s medical rhapsody, the Navy aim to enhance medical outcomes, promote good health, and cultivate a culture of healthy living for people of all ages as part of their non-kinetic lines of operations.
“Accordingly, we have come here today with a mission to complement your medical awareness and support your goal of good health. These we intend to do by bringing to you free health talks, free consultation and lab test as well as distribution of free drugs and glasses amongst others. With that, we hope to inspire you to reach for greater health and achieve your dreams.
“But our mission extends beyond offering medical aids. Today, we will also share with you insights into sound health and basic security awareness. We will also explore how each of you, as Nigerians, can contribute to our nation’s prosperity, security and well-being.
“As we embark on this Medical Rhapsody together, let us remember that the goal of good health comes with focusing on key targets that boost your health and the lives of those around you and the future of our great nation” the Commodore stated.
The Commander NNS Lugard charged residents of Kungbani community to take advantage of the free medical rhapsody to attend to their medical challenges at no cost to the beneficiaries.
In his remark, the special guest of honour and Kogi state commissioner for health , Dr Abdulazeez Adeiza, disclosed that the state government has been at the fore front in providing quality healthcare to the people of the state.
He pointed out that a lot of basic health centres in all the 21 local government areas of the state has been rehabilitated and staffed to serve the rural communities better.
While commending the NNS Lugard Banda for prioritizing the health conditions of Kungbani community, the commissioner, urged the locals to take their health very serious, advising them to also seek medical advise and treatment from nearby clinic instead of using local herbs that can further lead to health complication.
The head of the medical team Dr Ogbinna Okoh in his health tips to the locals advised them on the need for routine check of blood pressure, sugar level and adherence to children immunization to ensure future quality health status for the children.
One of the beneficiaries of the programme , Salisu Yakubu a farmer expressed gratitude to the Navy for giving them the opportunity to asses free healthcare services, saying he was given drugs to treat his eye challenge.
The Chairman of Lokoja local government area Hon. Abdullahi Adam in his goodwill message urged the people of Kungbani community to ensure that they use the drugs given to them regularly, saying health is wealth.