The 4th quarter Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), which was held on Tuesday on Lagos Island by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, benefited no less than 237 individuals.
During the exercise’s flag-off, NYSC State Coordinator for Lagos, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, stated that it was a way for the corps to fulfil its social responsibility to the community.
The HIRD programme, according to Baderinwa, which was represented by Mrs. Victoria Akowonlehin, Assistant Director, Community Development Service, aims to bring free healthcare services to rural communities.
“We are glad that you have embraced this initiative by making yourselves available.
“This exercise is offering services such as free malaria treatment, eye test, dental check, RBS, HBP test, free drugs, physiotherapy sessions and other medical lab test.
“We urge you to take advantage of the free health services while advising and encouraging you to adhere strictly to the prescription given to you by the corps’ medical personnel.
“The Corps’ medical personnel are ready to treat, advise and also refer cases where need be, so those who are not chanced today have the opportunity to enjoy the free services tomorrow,” she added.
The two-day HIRD, the final of the year, began with corps members of Lagos Island Local Government sensitising the host villages.
The Vice Chairman, Hon. Muhammed Rosul, spoke on behalf of Lagos Island Local Government Chairman, Hon. Adetoyese Olusi, who praised the initiative of the NYSC.
He pledged to welcome the scheme at Lagos Island Local Government and to always support both the scheme and its participants.
Mr. Uthman Ayokunle, the director of public affairs for the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), was also present at the outreach.
Ayokunle, who educated community members on the duties of HEFAMAA, enlisted their support and gave them advice to only use government-accredited health facilities and centres and to report unlicensed medical personnel who practised in dangerous conditions.
A non-governmental organisation called Grace Impact funded the two-day seminar.
