Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Mr. Eddy Megwa has said the scheme would establish community-based clinic in host communities and Secretariats across the country to cater for the health needs of people.
He spoke on Monday at Atan Kekere community in Ayobo, Lagos at the opening of a three-day medical outreach tagged: “NYSC health initiative for rural dwellers.”
Megwa said over three million people had benefitted from the health initiative which takes place every four months nationwide.
He noted that the outreach was aimed at reaching out to indigent people who cannot afford healthcare.
“We have our doctors, pharmacists and paramedics here to take care of residents of this community. They (Corps members) are ready to examine them, counsel them and give them drugs. All these are free of charge. This is part of NYSC’s contribution to rural development. And the responses we get are positive,” he said.
He also praised corps members for reaching out to indigent people at the height of the pandemic in their communities in Lagos giving out nose masks, hand sanitisers, among others.
Mrs. Priscilla Akhamie, representative of the NYSC Director-General, Brig Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the programme was vital to host communities who cannot access adequate healthcare service.
Farouk Oladipo, a doctor and corps member urged residents to maintain good hygiene and take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Another corps member, Chidozie Nzekwe, a pharmacist who gave a short talk on self-medication, advised participants not to indulge in self-medication, noting it could lead to other health challenges.
“Self-medication is not advisable. You don’t know the dose to take. Then those who use herbs don’t know the amount they should take. Taking overdose could lead to other health challenges. Then, herbs should not be combined with orthodox medicine. Contact medical professionals before using drugs,” he said.
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