By Ahmed Ahmed
No fewer than 500 residents of Bauchi Metropolis in Bauchi State, have benefitted from Nigerian Air Force (NAF) medical outreach organised by 261 NAF Base Bauchi.
The Commander, NAF Reference Hospital Bauchi Air Commodore Adedoyin Oyenusi, stated this during inauguration of the one-day event in Bauchi on Wednesday, Saying that the outreach was organised to commemorate the 2024 NAF Day celebration.
He said that the gesture was part of steps by the current leadership of the NAF to improve healthcare delivery to communities around its bases as its corporate social responsibility (CSR).
According to the commander, Bauchi metropolis was considered for this outreach because the residents should also benefit from the institution.
“Today’s event signifies our commitment towards improving our civilian-military relationship (CMR).
“To also have the privilege of free consultations with our team of medical experts. In addition, some screening exercises like, hepatitis, malaria and sugar test will be carried out,” he said
In a remark,The Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal, Ernest Effion who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshall Razaq Olarewaju said that the NAF will continue to employ all necessary measures to win the hearts and minds of its host communities.
According to him, the medical outreach which is part of activities lined up to mark the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the NAF covered Bauchi metropolis residents.
He said over 500 persons were targeted for different ailments and medications to be offered.
“The services rendered by the NAF medical team during the outreach included free medical consultations, blood pressure checks as well as eye and blood screenings.
“Also, drugs, corrective glasses and insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed,” he said.
The AOC said this was not the first time the NAF is extending this kind of gesture to the people of Bauchi metropolis , it had been extending to the Base host community.
Effion however, said that provision would be made for treatment of some medical conditions that may require further treatment at the NAF Hospital Bauchi.
He explained that the military medical facilities were open to the public, adding that no one would deny anybody access as long as you clearly stated your mission to the Base.
In his remark also the Emir Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Sulaiman, represented by a Title holder Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim appreciated the Nigeria Air Force for the kind gesture.
He said that the gesture is an indication that there is a good relationship between the civilians and the military, adding that with the economic situation you can come out to receive the gesture.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Fatima Bala thanked the NAF for the opportunity given to them to access free medical care.
She however called on other organizations individuals to emulate such gestures of the Nigeria Air Force free medical outreach.