Rumuomasi: The 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has embarked on a free medical screening, diagnosis, and treatment initiative for approximately 900 residents in its host community, Rumuomasi, Rivers. Group Capt. Abdulafeez Opaleye, Commander of Special Operations Group, NAF, Port Harcourt, announced the commencement of this one-day medical outreach as part of NAF’s 61st-anniversary celebrations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Opaleye, represented by Wing Cdr. Bashir Adamu, Commandant of NAF Secondary School, Port Harcourt, emphasized that the initiative aims to provide healthcare services to underprivileged individuals with limited access to medical facilities. The outreach offers free medical consultations, eye and dental checks, laboratory tests, medications, and corrective glasses.
Opaleye highlighted that the medical outreach is part of the initiatives adopted by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, to enhance civil-military relations. He noted that similar free medical programs are being conducted by every Air Force unit across the country in their respective host communities.
Air Commodore Joseph Igbodo, Commander of the NAF Reference Hospital, Port Harcourt, provided further details on the health checks, which include screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria, typhoid fever, eyesight, and HIV. Beneficiaries also receive free medications and medical advice, with more serious conditions referred to appropriate medical facilities.
Igbodo stated that the initiative underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to being a compassionate and people-oriented force, extending its role beyond combat. The program also includes the provision of corrective eyeglasses for individuals with visual impairments.
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed gratitude for the initiative. Mrs. Blessing Amadi, a 61-year-old resident, praised the air force for the program, noting the financial challenges residents face in accessing healthcare. Chief Life Onwuchekwa, a farmer, also appreciated the outreach and advocated for its continuation.