The National Youths Service Corps has flagged-off its annual free healthcare delivery for the aged and less-privileged persons in rural communities to commemorate the 2021 Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) Week.
The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. S Ibrahim, flagged-off the exercise at Umuoha Village Hall in Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State on Monday.
The NYSC HIRD scheme, which was inaugurated in 2015, is targeted at providing free healthcare for rural dwellers in the country.
The NYSC boss said the concept of bringing free healthcare to the grassroots became imperative due to poor access to quality medical facilities in rural communities.
He said the goal of the HIRD programme was to mobilise the corps’ medical volunteers in the provision of healthcare interventions through diagnosis, treatment, referrals and proper prevention mechanisms.
The NYSC boss added that the initiative would help enhance the general well-being of rural dwellers across communities in Nigeria.
Ibrahim, who was represented by Abia State Coordinator, Mr Jingi Denis, gave an assurance that the HIRD would be sustained by the NYSC scheme.
“The HIRD is another community-based programme designed among other things to support the various state governments in the drive toward the provision of healthcare for all.
“As managers of the scheme, we are fully prepared to leverage on the well spread abundant human resource at our disposal to improve the quality of life of our people.
“Our team of experienced medical personnel are sure of giving you standard medical services for your general well being; so feel free to engage them.
“It is my hope that our efforts in enhancing the quality of life of our people through this programme will endure and be improved upon over the years,” Ibrahim said.
He said the programme was expected to cater for more residents in the rural areas of the State.
