President of the Senate of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio, has officially launched a comprehensive free medical outreach programme aimed at benefiting his constituents in the Akwa Ibom Northwest (Ikot Ekpene) senatorial district. The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and is set to cover all 10 local government areas within the district.
The outreach, which will run for several weeks, provides a wide range of health services. Medical personnel are offering eye examinations and free eyeglasses, dental care, malaria and typhoid treatments, HIV/AIDS testing and treatment, blood pressure and sugar level checks, among other services. Akpabio’s deputy chief of staff, Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it is part of Akpabio’s ongoing commitment to his constituents. He also indicated that the programme would become an annual event, ensuring long-term health support for the people of the district.
Dr. Enyiekere highlighted that the outreach is a fulfillment of campaign promises made during Akpabio’s election and is designed to make healthcare accessible to all constituents. “We want to ensure that our people have a chance to access free medical services on a regular basis,” he said. Akpabio also encouraged constituents to be honest about their health conditions in order to receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.
Dr. Yinka Osho, the lead doctor for the outreach, emphasized the importance of regular health checks. He noted that understanding one’s health statistics is crucial for early detection and effective management of potential health issues. The medical team includes optometrists, dentists, and general practitioners, all committed to providing professional care at no cost to the beneficiaries.
The event was also marked by the presence of representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), and coincided with World AIDS Day, highlighting the importance of healthcare awareness. Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed their gratitude to Akpabio for the initiative and praised President Tinubu for prioritizing healthcare as a central part of his Renewed HopeA genda.
