The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has carried out a free medical outreach under its second quarter Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme in Kudansa, Kujama District, within the Gbagyi Chiefdom of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The one-day intervention targeted both local residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs), offering free medical consultations, diagnostic tests, and essential medications.
More serious cases were referred to advanced medical facilities for further treatment.
Speaking during the event, the NYSC Kaduna State Coordinator, Mrs Efeke Dadaza, described the outreach as a joint effort between the NYSC and the Nigerian Government to improve healthcare access in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
“This health outreach is completely free. You are not paying a dime. The only time you may need to pay is if you’re referred to another facility,” she explained.
The Assistant Director of Community Development Services, Mr Samaila Haruna, who supervised the outreach, praised the dedication of the corps medical team, who not only treated a range of ailments but also conducted public health education sessions on disease prevention and hygiene.
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“The outreach is part of NYSC’s ongoing contribution to national development by bridging healthcare gaps in remote communities,” he said.
Comrade Adam Sule, the IDP Coordinator for Mararaban Rido, expressed heartfelt appreciation to NYSC, describing the initiative as both timely and lifesaving.
“We don’t have a formal camp, but we gather here as displaced persons. Many of us are farmers who fled attacks and now live in incomplete buildings or makeshift shelters. We cannot afford medical care. This initiative has brought immense relief,” he stated.
The traditional leader of Kudansa, Mr Auta Ganyi, also conveyed his gratitude, noting that many residents, particularly IDPs, lack access to hospitals and essential medicines.
“This programme is 100 percent helpful to us. We are very grateful that NYSC chose our community,” he said.
As part of the outreach, Corps Dr Daniel Okereke delivered a health talk, urging residents to practise good hygiene, including regular hand washing and proper waste disposal, to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.