The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, has urged the people of Ibiono Ibom to benefit from an ongoing free medical exercise to enhance their quality of life.

Mr Otong made the call in Ikot Uba on Tuesday, at the beginning of a medical outreach sponsored by Moses Essien, the lawmaker representing Ibiono Ibom in the state assembly.

Represented by Lawrence Udoide, the member representing Ini constituency, the Speaker described good health as crucial to a happy life.

He commended Mr Essien for the gesture and described him as an articulate and vibrant lawmaker who understood the plight of his constituents.

“I commend you for initiating this healthcare programme; it will support the health needs of the people in diverse ways. This is a good example of effective representation. You have shown that you take the wellbeing of your people seriously.

“This outreach is in line with Governor Umo Eno’s healthcare and rural development blueprint; it is a step in the right direction,” he said.

In his speech, Mr Essien said that the programme was aimed at providing vital health services to the people of his constituency at no cost.

He noted that the beneficiaries were vulnerable and elderly people who lacked the funds to attend to their health needs.
He said that over 3,000 persons within and outside the constituency would benefit from the exercise.

The lawmaker said that the medical outreach would feature surgeries, consulting services, diagnosis, treatments and drug dispensation.

He said, “There will also be free HIV tests and counselling, free eye checks, and the provision of eyeglasses. I believe that this outreach will go a long way towards assisting in providing healthcare services to my people.”

Mr Essien thanked partners and donors who contributed in one way or another to making the programme a success.

In his remark, the village head, Ikot Uba, Akpan Udoh, expressed gratitude to the sponsor for bringing the outreach to the community.

He described the medical outreach as a welcome development, and a service capable of prolonging the lives of many residents of the community.

Also speaking, Paramount Ruler, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Okuku Ime Inyang, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture, describing it as well-intended.

He said, “You did well to have thought about the health and wellbeing of the people. As we know, it’s only a healthy person that can be productive.’’

One of the beneficiaries, Umana Asanga, expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for sponsoring the outreach.

He said that he was hopeful of a successful surgery after having been screened by the team.

The medical outreach attracted patients from Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ubium, and Etinan, among other local government areas in the state. 

(NAN)