From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
As part of activities marking the 60th birthday anniversary of bayelsa state deputy governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with other partners on Friday rolled out a Free Medical Outreach program at the state popular Swali Market in Yenagoa the state capital.
The free medical outreach which covers comprehensive Eye test and Optometry, Blood pressure and Blood Sugar screening, General Medical Consultations, Health Education Session and Medication and Referrals was also to enable the people to have easy access to healthcare right inside the market.
Speaking to journalists during the program, the Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr. Jones Stow said, the comprehensive health outreach embodies servant leadership. Saying under the visionary leadership of Senator Douye Diri, and the Deputy Governor’s compassionate guidance, they will continue to bridge healthcare gaps in the communities. Including Free Healthcare Services.
According to Dr. Stow who represented the Commissioner of Health Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe,” today we celebrate a special occasion that combines personal milestone with public service the Birthday Anniversary Outreach of His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“Our medical team will provide these services at no cost:- Comprehensive eye tests and optometry services,Blood pressure and blood sugar screening, General medical consultations,Health education sessions,Medication distribution and referrals.
“Celebrating Leadership, Love, Service, and Respect for Humanity,” this outreach demonstrates that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
By choosing Swali Market – the heartbeat of our community – we eliminate barriers and bring care directly to our people.
“Leadership by Example, Senator Ewhrudjakpo exemplifies people-first leadership. His decision to mark his birthday through service to others, particularly in healthcare, shows that true celebration comes through serving humanity.
“Citizens, please take full advantage of these services. Your health is your wealth. Early detection and prevention are your best defenses against serious health challenges.Media partners, help us spread awareness about regular health checkups and preventive care”, he said
Also speaking. Dr Ebikapaye Okoyen Director and the Desk Officer Sector wide Approach in the bayelsa state ministry of health said, the medical outreach was organized to celebrate the birthday of the deputy governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as a way of giving back to the society.
“The man has contributed a lot to the wellbeing of Bayelsans and across the nation. Swali Market is a choice place for this activities because within the geographical space of bayelsa, anyone who lives here is a Bayelsans. This is one of the highly populated areas where you have people across board not minding the tribes who are here for commercial activities.
” We have a lot of under privilege people who are here and we also have a lot of people who may not have time to go to hospital because of their engagement to commercial activities and who have not even realize to do simple test over these years. It’s also for those who have financial limitations to healthcare.
The founder of Hand of Hope Rescue Initiative Dr. Augusta Gideon Ekowe who partnered with the Ministry of Health said, they are of Humanitarian service by given helping hands to less privilege. Saying when they are heard about the medical outreach, they decided to come and support them, and mobilized the doctors, pharmacist and nurses among them to help.
” Am so impressed with the turnout, the turnout is beautiful and am happy about it. We thanked governor Douye Diri and his deputy senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for providing quality healthcare services to Bayelsans”.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to our correspondent show gratitude to the state government, ministry of health and all there partners for the free medical outreach.
Mrs. Ann Obiora, Mrs. Daniel Ogechi and Mr. Samson Tonkumo were all beneficiaries of eye glasses and malaria drugs.
They appreciate the government, saying drugs are so expensive that it’s difficult for the common man to buy them or go to the hospital.
