More than 2,000 residents of Jiwa community in Abuja Municipal Area Council and Kaida Tsoho in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have benefitted from a free medical outreach.
The initiative, organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in collaboration with Al-Tabib Pharmaceutical Limited, brought healthcare services to underserved rural communities.
Speaking during the event in Jiwa, Dr. Ruqayya Wamakko, Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, highlighted the outreach’s focus on addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and the elderly.
“As we all know, there is a shortage of manpower in the health sector due to migration, retirement, and other factors. While we await new recruitments by the federal government, residents should take advantage of these free services at their doorstep,” she said.
Dr. Wamakko assured participants that complex cases would be referred to secondary health facilities for further treatment.
Dr. Udeh Sylvester, Deputy Director and State Coordinator of NPHCDA in the North Central Zone, emphasized the importance of collaboration with private organizations like Al-Tabib to bridge healthcare gaps in rural areas.
He noted, “This outreach demonstrates the critical role independent organizations, NGOs, and foundations can play in extending free healthcare to communities in need.”
Dr. Emeka Udezue, Senior Medical Consultant at Al-Tabib Pharmaceutical Ltd., stated that the outreach was part of the company’s commitment to improving lives through health services.
“Our target is to reach 2,000 people, and we’ve set up a laboratory for diagnostic tests. The private sector must step in to support healthcare delivery, as the government cannot handle it alone,” Udezue said.
Tony Eleme, Project Manager at Al-Tabib, explained that Jiwa was chosen based on research identifying healthcare challenges in the area.
“A significant number of residents cannot afford medical care, so we decided to bring services directly to them as part of our corporate social responsibility,” he said.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the outreach. Maimunatu Ahmed thanked the organizers for the free drugs and materials provided, while 67-year-old Salisu Mohammed described it as his first experience with free medical services in the community.
“I am very grateful. I was checked and given medication. I pray that God blesses everyone involved,” Mohammed said.
