The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Pyrates Confraternity, through its Olympus Marino Deck, collaborated with other decks and healthcare providers to offer free medical services to approximately 1,000 residents of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State. The outreach, themed ‘Health for All: Bridging the Care Gap in Opobo Kingdom’, aimed to address identified gaps in healthcare delivery. The exercise was conducted in partnership with Purple Eyes Dental Clinics and St. Patrick’s Hospital.
The medical outreach uncovered various health issues among residents, including hypertension, visual disorders, malaria, and parasitic infections. A team of doctors, optometrists, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals provided consultations, drugs, eye and dental care, health education, and enrolment support under the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme. The services offered were comprehensive, ranging from consultations and drug dispensary to dental care services, optometry, health insurance, and health promotion and education.
Dr. Emmanuel Kinika Orlu, a NAS medical doctor, stated that the mission was organised to address identified gaps in healthcare delivery while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being. He mentioned that the team of experts handled various healthcare needs, and findings from the exercise would provide advocacy material for government and relevant agencies to address healthcare needs in the kingdom.
Dr. Atama Valentine, a medical doctor and emergency physician, noted that Opobo’s island location influenced the decision to take the medical mission to the community. He disclosed that the medical team encountered critically ill patients who faced difficulties accessing healthcare facilities, prompting some members to visit patients in their homes. The team provided essential healthcare services to those in need.
The lead organiser and Capoon of Olympus Marino Deck, Ateli Biambo, described the programme as the deck’s signature project, noting that the participating decks had joined forces to take healthcare to underserved communities. He mentioned that the Opobo exercise was the sixth edition of the recurring October 1 medical mission, which had previously been held in various locations.
Chief Chamberlain Peterside, representing King Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja, commended NAS for bringing free healthcare to the kingdom. He urged the organisers to expand the range of services in subsequent editions, noting that the programme was a great relief to the community, especially given the high cost of medication.
The National Association of Seadogs’ medical mission demonstrated the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing healthcare gaps in underserved communities. The programme’s success was a testament to the impact that can be achieved through partnerships between healthcare providers and community organisations. The initiative’s focus on preventive health and education will likely have a lasting impact on the community.
Key points
- The National Association of Seadogs provided free medical services to approximately 1,000 residents of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State.
- The outreach programme uncovered various health issues, including hypertension, visual disorders, malaria, and parasitic infections.
- The initiative was a collaborative effort between NAS, healthcare providers, and community organisations to address healthcare gaps in the kingdom.
