The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in collaboration with Hensek Integrated Services Limited, an indigenous construction company, has embarked on a five-day free medical treatment to save lives.
The five-day outreach programme is part of efforts to commemorate 30th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, and 30 years of existence of NMA in the state.
The state government and the medical association in the state would both be 30 years old on September 23th, 2017.
More than five thousand patients from Eket senatorial district diagnosed with different ailments received free medical treatment under the programme which was flag-off at the General Hospital, Ikot-Abasi.
The programme would be replicated in the other two senatorial districts of the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony which held on Wednesday at the General Hospital, Ikot-Abasi, the chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Aniekeme Aniefiok Uwah, said he decided to support the state government in its drive to make Akwa Ibom State number one in the provision of healthcare.
Dr. Uwak who doubles as the South-South zonal chairman of the association said “it is not about money, it’s about the people and the love we have for them, so we decided to come to their aids.”
The promoter of the event and chief executive officer of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, said he decided to embark on the project to save the rural dwellers who could not afford medical services as a result of poverty.
He said, “Some people will die in the villages claiming that they were bewitched not knowing that they needed proper medical attention. So, I decided to partner with the NMA to provide free medical service for the people.
The member representing Ikot-Abasi and Eastern Obolo at the state House of Assembly, Hon. Uduak Uduudo, commended the initiative of the organisers for putting together the programme.
“Instead of allowing the people to celebrate 30th years anniversary of the state on sick bed, they have decided to come together to give them health and strength”.
Uduudo who is the chairman of House Committee on Labour, said it was only a man of love that would give back to the society what he gets from the society.
He added: “This is a true show of love for his people.”
