Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Tuesday commended the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) organised by the National Youth Service Corps in rural communities in the state.
Wike, represented by Mr Emmanuel Ogichen, state Director of Finance, Secretary to State Government Office, said this during the launching of the 2016 HIRD in Elekahia Community Hall, Port Harcourt.
He said that the NYSC over the years had been a partner in progress towards the development of the state, especially in the education and health sectors.
“I commend the managers of the scheme for recording yet another milestone in the health sector by organising free medical outreach in some communities in the state.
“This implies that the NYSC is working tirelessly to make positive impact in the lives of Nigerians, thereby giving everyone a sense of belonging and promoting unity,” he said.
Wike further lauded the corps members for their uncommon display of patriotism by bringing health services to the doorstep of rural dwellers.
“I have been told that, after today, this programme will continue in some of the local government areas of the state.
“I urge the community members to avail themselves of this opportunity to get the health services being provided by both the NYSC medical personnel and other qualified professionals in the medical field,” he said.
The governor said that he believed that the services of the NYSC would remain inspirational to the younger generation.
The NYSC Coordinator in Rivers, Mrs Ngozi Nwatarali, said that the HIRD was designed to provide affordable and timely healthcare intervention for large population rural dwellers.
Nwatarali said that these rural dwellers lacked access to basic medical amenities due to their location.
She explained that the HIRD was aimed at achieving the organisation’s vision of increasing its visibility and capacity to deliver more service to the people and expand partnership.
According to Nwatarali, the NYSC will leverage on their presence in all nooks and crannies of the state to achieve the aim of the initiative in promoting rural health.
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