No fewer than 100 residents of Uvwie Kingdom in the Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State received free medical care on Saturday as the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta took healthcare services directly to the community as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
The outreach, which targeted underserved residents, provided free medical consultations, laboratory tests, eye and dental examinations, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, deworming for children, and free medications.
Speaking at the exercise, Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, said the initiative underscored the Navy’s commitment to improving the welfare of host communities beyond its core security responsibilities.
According to him, the outreach was designed to reduce the healthcare burden on vulnerable residents while promoting healthy living.
“A healthy community is a secure community. Many people live with treatable ailments but lack access to healthcare services. This programme is our way of giving back and demonstrating that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to national development,” he said.
Tasiu noted that the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Warri, had continued to serve both military personnel and civilians, assuring residents that its services remained accessible to members of the public.
Also speaking, the commander of the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Effurun, Navy Captain Umar Adamu, said the outreach focused on addressing common health challenges in the community, adding that patients requiring specialised treatment would be referred to the hospital for further care.
Representatives of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Majesty Abe I, commended the Navy for extending its community engagement efforts beyond security operations to healthcare delivery.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.
An 86-year-old resident, Samson Unuagba, who received treatment for an eye condition, said the programme saved him the cost and stress of seeking medical attention elsewhere.
Another beneficiary, Uche Blessing, said the corrective glasses she received had significantly improved her vision.
“I could not read small letters before now. With the glasses, I can see and read much better. I am glad I came,” she said.
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