The member representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, has announced plans to embark on a four-day free medical outreach for his constituents, starting from August 5 to August 9, 2024.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Tuesday, Essien, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, said he was targeting over 100 general surgeries and treatment of various ailments at the outreach.
He hinted that the exercise would take place at the Health Centre, Ikot Uba, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that he had partnered with different organizations including the Hellen Keller Foundation to carry out hydrocele surgeries, the Nigeria Medical Association, and the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS, among others.
Essien further explained that he partnered with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health which approved the medical facility that would be used for the outreach.
Calling on his constituents to maximize the opportunity by coming out to take up the services, the lawmaker said he was motivated to give free medical care to his people in appreciation for the overwhelming support they showed him at the polls.
He said, “It’s my wish having been elected by my people, I’ll use the committee I’m chairing to impact their health by embarking on a free medical outreach.
“That medical outreach is billed to commence on the 5th of August to the 9th of August, 2024. The areas of coverage for the medical outreach involves general surgeries, free blood pressure checks and treatment. There will also be free blood sugar checks and treatment, there will be deworming of children, and there will be free malaria rapid diagnostic tests and treatment for many constituents that may turn up for the outreach. There will also be free HIV test and counselling, free eye checks and provision of eyeglasses for those that may require it, there’ll also be free consultations in whatever dimensions for my constituents.
“I know how challenging it is, so I’ve decided to partner with lots of organisations that will help me execute this project. I’ve reached out to the Chief Executive Officer of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS; the Chairmen of the Nigerian Medical Association and Nigeria Pharmaceutical Association, Akwa Ibom State chapters. I want to use the office the House has given to me as Health Committee chairman to impact my constituents effectively.
“I also know in the rural communities, a lot of people are suffering from different ailments, especially hydrocele, and Hellen Keller has agreed to partner with me to have these surgeries for not less than 100 patients. I believe that we have to give strength to lives.”