From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme under its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) Programme, has given free medical services to inhabitants of Ekae Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The state coordinator of the scheme, Mrs. Ben-Ushie Frances IFeoma, while addressing the community people, said health is fundamental to every aspect of human life and that it is the foundation upon which we build our dreams, pursue our ambitions and achieve our collective aspirations.
She added that without good health, progress in education, economic development and social wellbeing, remains elusive.
Mrs. Ifeoma said today’s health programme is not just about healthcare, it is about empowering the community to thrive in all dimensions of life.
She noted that in rural communities like Ekae, access to quality healthcare can be limited and through HIRD, the scheme is aimed to mitigate the challenges by providing free medical consultations, treatments, and health education to them.
She commended the Director General of the scheme, Brigadier General Y. D Ahmed for providing a visionary leadership and unwavering support which has led to the success of the HIRD programme nationwide adding that his commitment to improving the lives of the rural dwellers through such initiative, is really commendable.
For Pa Abu Ogbano, the leader of the community, he expressed his profound gratitude and prayed that God should continue to bless the scheme.
Also speaking, one of the community member and beneficiary of the NYSC health scheme, Ephraim Nathaniel, expressed gratitude for the free health care exercise adding that the money he should have used to buy drugs have been saved and it will now be used for something else.