The management of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Nigeria has debunked media reports alleging that Corps Members suffer poor healthcare, and bear cost of their treatment.
This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations of the organization, Mr.Emeka Mgbemena.
According to him, “the story is not only a sweeping one, but equally a complete misrepresentation of facts”.
Mr. Mgbemena stated that an inquiry at the NYSC Lagos State Secretariat or the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Abuja would have put the issues raised in the story in proper perspective.
He said “It is pertinent to state that, the Scheme always feels empty and saddened whenever a Corps Member is lost or maimed. It is for that particular reason that the welfare of Corps Members remains topnotch, and a cardinal policy thrust of the National Youth Sevice Corps”.
He also said that, “It is apt to put on record that Corps Members get medical refunds for sums expended on health challenge. This scenario usually arises when the Scheme has not been apprised of a Corps Member’s medical issue and he goes ahead to spend out of his pocket. As soon as the Corps Member applies and its verified, he gets paid”.
He noted that, for the reinforcement of this policy and towards ensuring a more holistic and quicker medical intervention, all Corps Members have been enrolled under the nation’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“The flag-off of this insurance scheme is slated for Friday, 11th February, 2022″, he said.
Mr. Mgbemena therefore said that the Corps is always open to enquiries whenever the need arises and assured that NYSC shall never shirk its responsibility of seeing to the welfare of Corps Members.
Emmanuel Ukoh
