The member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, has announced plans to embark on a four-day free medical outreach for his constituents starting from August 5 to August 9, 2024, in which over 5000 people are expected to benefit.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, on Thursday, Essien, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, said over 100 people will undergo surgeries for various ailments during the outreach.
He hinted that the exercise would take place at the health centre, Ikot Uba, in the Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that he has partnered with different organisations, including the Hellen Keller Foundation for carrying out hydrocele surgeries, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), and the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS, among others.
Essien further explained that he partnered with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, which approved the medical facility that would be used for the outreach.
While calling on his constituents to take advantage of the opportunity by coming out to receive the health services, the lawmaker said he was motivated to give free medical care to his people in appreciation for the overwhelming support that they showed him at the polls.
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According to him, “It’s my wish that, having been elected by my people, I’ll use the committee I’m chairing to impact them healthwise by embarking on a free medical outreach.
“That medical outreach is billed to commence on the 5th of August to the 9th of 2024. The areas of coverage for the medical outreach involve general surgeries, free blood pressure checks, and treatment. There will also be free blood sugar checks and treatment; there will be deworming of children; and there will be free malaria rapid diagnostic tests and treatment for many constituents that may turn up for the outreach. There will also be free HIV tests and counselling, free eye checks and the provision of eyeglasses for those who may require them. There’ll also be free consultations in whatever dimensions for my constituents.
“I know how challenging it is, so I’ve decided to partner with lots of organisations that will help me execute this project. I’ve reached out to the Chief Executive Officer of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, and the Nigeria Pharmaceutical Association. Akwa Ibom State Chapters. I want to use the office the House has given me, which is the Committee on Health, to impact my constituents effectively.
“I also know that in rural communities, a lot of people are suffering from different ailments, especially hydrocele and Hellen Keller has agreed to partner with me to have these surgeries on not less than 100 patients. I believe that we have to give strength to lives.”
