By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The National Youth Service Corps has flagged off the 2026 second-quarter edition of its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers with a free medical outreach at Umuda-Isingwu Community Hall in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Declaring the programme open on Thursday, the NYSC Abia State Coordinator, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, said the initiative was designed to bridge healthcare gaps and bring relief to underserved communities.
He highlighted that the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers remains one of the flagship community development programmes of the National Youth Service Corps.
He explained that the scheme mobilises corps medical personnel, supported with drugs and equipment donated by public-spirited individuals and organisations, to provide free healthcare services.
The coordinator noted that services offered during the outreach include general consultation, health screening, dental care, eye examination, immunisation, health education, and counselling.
“The NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers remains one of the flagship community development programmes of the National Youth Service Corps. Through this intervention, the scheme continues to bridge healthcare gaps while bringing hope and relief to those who need it most,” Tanimu stated.
“These services are being provided free of charge in line with our determination to reduce the burden of healthcare costs and promote healthier communities,” he added.
Tanimu commended the team of corps doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, and laboratory scientists for volunteering their expertise, urging members of the community, including children, youths, and the elderly, to take advantage of the opportunity.
“Good health remains the foundation upon which every thriving family and prosperous community is built. Indeed, health is wealth,” he added.
He also appreciated the Executive Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Smart Iheoma, for his support, and the Chima Anyaso Foundation for sponsoring the programme.
“Your commitment to improving access to healthcare for vulnerable communities is truly commendable. By partnering with the NYSC on this life-changing initiative, you have demonstrated that meaningful development is best achieved through collaboration and compassion,” he said.
The state coordinator called on stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative through donations and partnerships to enable the scheme to reach more rural communities across Abia State.
Also speaking, the President of the NYSC Medical and Health Community Development Service Group in Abia State, Dr. Marvellous Osarhiaekhimen, said the programme was part of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, which holds every quarter.
“This one we are doing is for the third quarter, July 2026. We go to villages to conduct free medical outreach for rural dwellers,” she said.
Osarhiaekhimen explained that the team comprises medical doctors, optometrists, dentists, laboratory scientists, nurses, and pharmacists who provide free primary healthcare services.
“We offer primary care, including consultation and drugs for conditions that can be managed. Anything that requires surgery or is an emergency, we refer to FMC,” she stated.
She added that the team also conducts health education sessions.
“We do health talks too. Doctors and nurses talk to the people on how to prevent common diseases,” she said.
According to her, over 300 residents had indicated interest in receiving treatment during the outreach.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Joy Nkemakolam, an 83-year-old, praised the Chima Anyaso Foundation and the NYSC for bringing what she described as one of the largest free medical outreaches ever witnessed in the community.
She said many elderly residents who could not afford medical treatment had received quality healthcare without paying any fees, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
Other beneficiaries also commended the organisers, noting that the outreach had restored hope to many families and demonstrated how strategic partnerships between government institutions and private foundations could strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery while advancing community well-being.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Umuda-Isingwu, who turned out in large numbers for the free medical services.
