Anambra Residents Benefit from NYSC’s Free Health Care Drive
Anambra Residents Benefit from NYSC’s Free Health Care Drive
By Abraham Joshua,
Hundreds of residents in Anambra State have received free medical services through a healthcare outreach program organized by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The drive, held under the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, offered free consultations, medical checkups, and essential medicines to underserved communities. Corps volunteers—including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—treated common ailments such as malaria, hypertension, and minor infections. In addition, participants received education on nutrition, hygiene, and preventive health practices.
NYSC officials explained that many communities in Anambra struggle with poor access to healthcare due to distance, cost, and lack of facilities. The initiative is designed to reach underserved populations, giving them a rare opportunity to access medical care at no cost.
Dr. Ifeoma Uche, a corps physician, emphasized the importance of the intervention:
“Many people here cannot afford basic medical care. Through this initiative, we can treat illnesses early and also educate them on how to prevent future problems.”
Local community leaders and beneficiaries expressed gratitude. Chief Nnamdi Okafor, an elder, described the free services as timely relief for communities that have long suffered due to the absence of a hospital. One resident, Mrs. Ngozi Eze, shared that she and her children were treated for malaria and received medication, noting that she would not have been able to afford private care.
NYSC said the outreach is part of its broader social responsibility mandate. In addition to health interventions, corps members often undertake projects in environmental sanitation, school repairs, and vocational training. Mrs. Blessing Iruma, the NYSC State Coordinator, pledged continued collaboration with local leaders to extend the initiative to more communities.
Experts note that health outreach programs like this help reduce pressure on overwhelmed hospitals and encourage people to seek care earlier before conditions worsen. While they provide short-term relief, they also highlight the need for sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
For the people of Anambra, the free health services did more than treat illnesses—they sent a message that they are not forgotten. As Mrs. Eze put it:
“Today, we feel that government cares for us.”
NYSC plans to carry out similar outreach to additional communities across the state in the coming months, aiming to reach thousands more.
