The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Udeme Otong, has urged residents of Ibiono Ibom to take advantage of the ongoing free medical exercise in the area to improve their wellbeing.
Otong made the call in Ikot Uba, yesterday, at the beginning of a medical outreach sponsored by the Lawmaker representing Ibiono Ibom in the State Assembly, Mr. Moses Essien.
Represented by Mr. Lawrence Udoide, the member representing Ini constituency, the Speaker described good health as crucial to a happy life.
He commended Essien for the gesture, and described him an articulate and vibrant lawmaker who understood the plight of his constituents.
“I commend you for initiating this healthcare programme, it will support the health needs of the people in diverse ways.
“This is a good example of effective representation. You have shown that you take the wellbeing of your people seriously.
“This outreach is in line with Gov. Umo Eno’s healthcare and rural development blueprint, it is a step in the right direction”, he said.
In his speech, Essien said that the programme was aimed at providing vital health services to the people of his constituency at no cost.
He noted that the beneficiaries were vulnerable and aged people, who lacked the funds to attend to their health needs.
He said about 3,000 persons within and outside the constituency would benefit from the exercise.
The Lawmaker said the medical outreach would feature surgeries, consultancy services, diagnosis, treatments and drug dispensation.
“There will also be free HIV tests and counselling, free eye checks, and provision of eye glasses.
“I believe that this outreach will go a long way to assist in providing healthcare services to my people”, he said.
Essien thanked all partners and donors who contributed in one way or the other to make the programme a success.
In his remark, the Village Head, Ikot Uba, Chief Akpan Udoh, expressed gratitude to the sponsor for bringing the outreach to the community.
He described the medical outreach as a welcome development, and a service capable of prolonging the life of many residents of the community.
Also speaking, Okuku Ime Inyang, the Paramount Ruler, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, thanked tbe lawmaker for the gesture, describing it as well-intended.
“You did well to have thought about the health and wellbeing of the people. As we know, it’s only a healthy person that can be productive”, he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Umana Asanga, expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for sponsoring the outreach.
He said he was hopeful of a successful surgery having been screened by the team.
The source reports that the medical outreach attracted patients from Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ubium, Etinan among other local government areas in the state.