The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), popularly known as Pyrates Confraternity has provided free medical services to no fewer than 1000 children in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo as part of its medical outreach programme.
The outreach is organised by the Hybrid Deck Edo North branch in collaboration with Atlantic Deck, Atlanta Georgia USA.
Speaking during the medical mission on Saturday, the Capoon Hybrid Deck (Edo-North branch of NAS) Mr Christopher Ikponmwosa said the outreach was aimed at bringing quality healthcare closer to children between age 1 and 17-years.
Ikponmwosa noted that the mission of NAS is to invest in the future of Nigerian children by improving their access to quality healthcare services.
“This is a medical mission organised by hybrid deck Edo North branch of NAS in collaboration with Atlantic Deck, Atlanta Georgia USA.
“NAS is more concerned about providing free access to healthcare services to children at the locality.
“So far we have attended to about 450 children and our target is 1000,” Ikponmwosa said.
The leader of the medical team, Dr. John Ugwu said the free medical services includes; consultation paediatric care, eye checks, diagnostic tests, laboratory services, counselling, medication, free maternity kits for pregnant women and newly deliver women.
Ugwu, who is a senior medical officer with Edo State Hospital Management Agency said the medical mission target 1000 children.
“We are providing free essential healthcare services to children between age 1 and 17-years.
“The free treatment include nutritional assessment, deworming, malaria screening, dental care, paediatric care, consultation, optomology care and free distribution of drugs.
“Our target is to ensure we provide free care services to 1000 children.
“I must commend the large turnout of the children and their parents for letting them come to receive free treatment,” Ugwu said.
Some parents and beneficiaries who spoke at the event thanked NAS for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.
Mrs Kajidat Mutairu said she is excited to see her children receiving free treatment,”she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Mary Ezekiel, a petty trader, expressed gratitude to seadogs after receiving treatment alongside her three children.
She appealed for the outreach to be held more frequently to enable more children to benefit.
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