The Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, who spoke while flagging off the event at Opobo General Hospital, noted that the medical outreach is one of the initiatives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla to promote public health in host communities of Navy establishment.
Commodore Igbo said the CNS deemed it very important to extend his efforts in public health to the people of Opobo kingdom, saying as a responsible organisation, the Nigerian Navy found it very important to improve the health of the host communities.
The Commander of NNS Pathfinder, noted that the outreach covers over one thousand beneficiaries, adding that a series of medical checks including deworming and vaccination of children, free dental checks, body vital inspection and eye checks for both young and elderly, will go a long way in addressing health issues in the council area.
Earlier, the Amayanabo of Opobo kingdom, King Dandison Jaja, who disclosed that the entire area is faced with health challenges as a result of its riverine terrain, said the council area needs more medical presence.
King Jaja who was represented by Doctor Dienye Bell-Gam, said accessing medical facilities in the area is cumbersome for residents living in seemingly inaccessible places, pointing out that the area needs water ambulances for medical emergencies and medical posts for residents in satellite communities.
On his part, the Medical Director of Opobo General Hospital, Doctor Deekia Banks-Lebari expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy, saying they have impressed the hospital community and the people of Opobo Kingdom.
Today FM’S Uchendu Ejiowhor reports that some of the beneficiaries said they were marvelled by the gesture, saying the Military connection to public health care in communities of the Niger Delta region is a welcomed development.
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