Mr. Eddy Megwa, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) State Coordinator in Lagos, has stated that the initiative will create community-based clinics in host communities and Secretariats around the country to meet people’s health requirements.

On Monday, he addressed at the start of a three-day medical outreach in the Atan Kekere community in Ayobo, Lagos with a tag  “NYSC health initiative for rural dwellers.”

Over three million people have benefited from the health campaign, which takes place every four months across the country, according to Megwa.

“We have our doctors, pharmacists and paramedics here to take care of residents of this community. They (Corps members) are ready to examine them, counsel them and give them drugs. All these are free of charge. This is part of NYSC’s contribution to rural development. And the responses we get are positive,” he said.

He explained that the outreach was intended to help destitute people who couldn’t afford healthcare. He also applauded corps members for reaching out to destitute people in their communities in Lagos during the height of the pandemic, handing out nose masks and hand sanitizers, among other things.

Mrs. Priscilla Akhamie, a representative of NYSC Director-General Brig Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the program was crucial for host communities that did not have access to quality healthcare.

Residents should practice good hygiene and get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Farouk Oladipo, a doctor and corps member.

Another corps member, Chidozie Nzekwe, a pharmacist who presented a short discussion on self-medication, cautioned attendees against self-medication, warning that it can lead to other health problems.

“Self-medication is not advisable. You don’t know the dose to take. Then those who use herbs don’t know the amount they should take. Taking overdose could lead to other health challenges. Then, herbs should not be combined with orthodox medicine. Contact medical professionals before using drugs,” he said.

Source: The Nations.