By Ovasa Ogaga,
Hundreds of residents of Ughelli North Local Government Area on Wednesday thronged the council secretariat to benefit from a free medical outreach sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, in collaboration with the National Health Fellows, describing it as a lifeline initiative.
The outreach provided free tests for tuberculosis, diabetes, blood pressure, blood sugar, and hepatitis, as well as chest X-rays and free reading glasses for residents with eye challenges.
Speaking during the exercise, Coordinator of the National Health Fellows, Onome Sandra Ugbarugba, explained that the initiative aimed to promote preventive healthcare and early detection of illnesses among the people.
“What we will be doing here is sugar test for diabetes, distribution of free reading glasses, people will be given medication, and we will have hepatitis testing and TB screening for those that are available,” she said.
Ugbarugba added that the team planned to attend to no fewer than 200 persons, emphasizing that “this is an opportunity for the people of Ughelli North to come and know their health status because early detection is very important in order to avoid complications.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Omohwo Esther, a Vice Principal at Government College, expressed gratitude to Senator Dafinone for the initiative. “I heard of this free medical outreach just this morning and I grabbed the opportunity to come and be tested,” she said.
“When I got here, I saw that free reading glasses, chest X-rays, and a lot of things were being given for free, and it was like ‘wow.’ I want to thank Senator Ede Dafinone for bringing this program to our people because if you go to the hospital for just an eye glass, you know how much to spend — but here it is being given for free.”
Another beneficiary, Mr. Efe Akpotor, who sought medical attention for a persistent cough, also lauded the senator’s effort. “The sole reason I came was because for over a month I have been having a serious cough and on getting here, I discovered that there are other tests being carried out and I took part in them,” he said.
“I got free reading glasses and everything was free. I want to say a big thank you to Senator Ede Dafinone for his concern for the health of his constituents. I want him to do more because we are expecting more from him.”
Mrs. Onosegboma Vero, another participant, shared similar sentiments after receiving a diabetes and hepatitis test. “I came here purposely for diabetes and hepatitis test, and after the check, I was certified normal by the medical experts. I so much appreciate the senator who deemed it fit to bring this free medical outreach to Ughelli North, and it is my prayer that God should continue to bless him,” she said.
The exercise was part of Senator Dafinone’s ongoing efforts to improve access to quality healthcare across Delta Central, providing hope and relief to residents who otherwise could not afford such services.
