Some patients at the programme.
By Anietie Akpan
Over 4,796 indigent citizens of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have benefitted from the recent free medical and surgical outreach programme in the state.
The free medical outreach programme was sponsored by the member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Otobong Effiong Bob.
The 3 – Day Medical and Surgical outreach which took place from the 13th – 15th of February 2025 at the Primary Health Centre Ikot Edibon, headquarters of Nsit Ubium LGA witnessed the enrollment of 1,500 vulnerable people into the State Health Insurance Scheme, 1,233 laboratory investigations, 1,650 medical consultations and drugs dispensary, 300 prescription glasses and 113 surgeries which included hernia, appendectomy, breast lump and lipoma removal.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Rt. Hon. Bob drawing from a quote from an American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson told his constituents that; “The first wealth is Health”, pointing out that health is a fundamental human right and a key indicator of sustainable development.
Some patients being attended to at the programme.
“Good health enables people to achieve their goals and rise above poverty line, Bob said, adding, “it is only when you are healthy that you can perform a lot of duties and responsibilities.”
Many beneficiaries of the programme including the Village Head of Edem Idim Okpot, Etteidung Uwemedimo praised Rt. Hon. Bob for touching such number of lives in his constituency and prayed for God’s continued strength to enable him continue in delivering the dividends of good governance to his people.
Other guests present during the flag-off ceremony include, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem; the Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob; the Leader of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Hon. Sunday Johnny; Secretary of the People Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Elder Ibanga Brownson; members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly amongst other dignitaries.