NYSC Takes Free Medical Care To Abia Rural Community, Treats Hundreds

( NYSC doctors attending to a patient during the outreach. Photo Credit: Daily Post)

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has flagged off the 2026 second-quarter edition of its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers with a free medical outreach held at Umuda-Isingwu Community Hall in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

Declaring the programme open on Thursday, the NYSC Abia State Coordinator, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, explained that the initiative was designed to bridge healthcare gaps and provide relief to underserved communities.

He described the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers as one of the flagship community development programmes of the NYSC, noting that it mobilises corps medical personnel, supported with drugs and equipment donated by public-spirited individuals and organisations, to deliver free healthcare services.

According to him, services provided during the outreach include general consultation, health screening, dental care, eye examination, immunisation, health education and counselling.

He reiterated that the scheme continues to bridge healthcare gaps while offering hope and relief to those most in need, stressing that the services are rendered free of charge in line with the NYSC’s commitment to easing the burden of healthcare costs and promoting healthier communities.

Tanimu commended the team of corps doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses and laboratory scientists for volunteering their expertise, and urged members of the community, including children, youths and the elderly, to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that good health remains the foundation upon which every thriving family and prosperous community is built.

He also expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Smart Iheoma, for his support, as well as the Chima Anyaso Foundation for sponsoring the programme, commending their commitment to improving healthcare access for vulnerable communities and describing the partnership as an example of how meaningful development can be achieved through collaboration and compassion.

The state coordinator further called on stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative through donations and partnerships to help the scheme reach more rural communities across Abia State, expressing hope that the outreach would leave a lasting impact on the community and further strengthen the relationship between the NYSC and the people of Abia State.

Also speaking, the President of the NYSC Medical and Health Community Development Service Group in Abia State, Dr Marvellous Osarhiaekhimen, explained that the programme forms part of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, which holds every quarter, noting that the current edition, being held in July 2026, is for the third quarter of the year, during which the group visits villages to conduct free medical outreaches for rural dwellers.

She explained that the team comprises medical doctors, optometrists, dentists, laboratory scientists, nurses and pharmacists who provide free primary healthcare services, including consultation and medication for manageable conditions, while cases requiring surgery or emergency care are referred to the Federal Medical Centre.

She added that the team also conducts health education sessions, during which doctors and nurses educate residents on how to prevent common diseases.

According to her, more than 300 residents had indicated interest in receiving treatment during the outreach.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Joy Nkemakolam, aged 83, praised the Chima Anyaso Foundation and the NYSC for organising what she described as one of the largest free medical outreaches ever witnessed in the community, noting that many elderly residents who could not afford medical treatment had received quality healthcare without paying any fees, an intervention she described as timely and impactful.

Other beneficiaries also commended the organisers, noting that the outreach had restored hope to many families and demonstrated how strategic partnerships between government institutions and private foundations could strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery while advancing community wellbeing.

The event was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Umuda-Isingwu, who turned out in large numbers for the free medical services.