NYSC takes medical help to rural dwellers

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director-General, Brig-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, has stated that over two million rural dwellers have so far benefited from the NYSC free medical outreach with not less than 300 free wheelchairs given to beneficiaries nationwide.

The NYSC boss made the statement while flagging off the 2021 second quarter of the nationwide NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (H.I.R.D) program at Damagazan Hausawa community in Kaura district of the FCT, today, Monday 21st June 2021.

The Director-General said that the NYSC HIRD project which was initiated in 2014 is a platform through which people living in the grassroots can benefit from free healthcare implemented by corps medical personnel carrying out diagnosis, treatment including minor medical procedures and referrals.

Drugs, glasses and other medical consumables were given to patients in the locality free of charge. He further stated that other HIRD implementation strategies established like community-based clinics; setting up of clinics at NYSC secretariats; first aid administration and other humanitarian aid are still ongoing.

The Director-General recalled several medical interventions of the scheme including the campaign against HIV/AIDS, malaria prevention and control, anti-Ebola Virus Disease, (EVD) as well as recent contributions in the control of the Covid-19 pandemic. While appreciating the support of stakeholders and collaborating non-governmental agencies, the Director-General solicited more support from corporate organisations and concerned individuals towards the actualizing of the plans of the scheme.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, Alhaji Abdul Suleman, expressed his appreciation of the Director-General’s presence as well as NYSC Directors and Deputy Directors who graced the occasion. He added that the scheme has earned the right to be described as the leading light of youth organisations and shall continue to set the pace.