Corps Members offer free medicare to over 230 residents in Anambra community

By Praise Chinecherem

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to improving rural healthcare through free medicare to residents of Enugu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during the flag-off of the second quarter edition of the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) at the Enugwu-Ukwu Civic Centre, State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Pauline Ojisua reiterated the importance of the HIRD programme as a flagship intervention aimed at bridging the healthcare gap between urban and rural communities.

“The HIRD programme is a proud expression of the NYSC’s dedication to bringing accessible, quality healthcare to underserved populations.

“Through the tireless efforts of our Corps medical personnel, this initiative delivers not only free medical care but also health education and disease prevention outreach to rural communities.”

The coordinator highlighted that the programme has already made significant impacts across the state by addressing prevalent health issues such as malaria, hypertension, diabetes, and maternal and child wellness.

“Today’s outreach in Enugwu-Ukwu is part of a broader effort to promote healthier living and greater health awareness among rural dwellers.

She further emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare, encouraging communities to adopt healthy lifestyle practices such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, hygiene, adequate hydration, and routine health screenings.

“These practices are key to long-term well-being and must be adopted as part of everyday life,” she added.

Her words were met with applause from attendees, including representatives of the traditional authority, community leaders, and beneficiaries of the programme.

Presenting the views of the host community, Joel Okafor, who represented traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, Igwe Sir Ralph Ekpeh, the expressed deep gratitude to NYSC for choosing the community for the impactful outreach.

“We are truly grateful for this gesture. Our people have long faced challenges accessing basic healthcare services, and today, we witnessed selfless service from young Nigerian professionals who came here not for profit, but for purpose,” Okafor said.

He assured continued support from the community and urged both government and private sector partners to invest more in rural health development.

The HIRD programme, now in its second quarter of implementation – the first one having been held at Alor Idemili South, continues to serve as a model for public health engagement, combining volunteerism, community participation, and inter-agency collaboration to uplift some of the most vulnerable populations in the state.

As the event concluded, the State Coordinator called on individuals, organizations, and government agencies to support and contribute to sustaining and expanding the initiative.

“Let us remember: health is wealthp. By improving the health of our rural dwellers, we uplift families, strengthen communities, and build a more resilient Nigeria.”

“With this latest edition successfully executed, the NYSC Anambra State has yet again proven that even in remote corners of the country, no one should be left behind when it comes to access to quality healthcare.”