NAF offers free medical services to over 3,000 Bauchi residents

As part of its social responsibility to the host community, the Nigerian Air Force Special Operations Command, Bauchi is offering a 2- day free medical service to over 3,000 residents of Gwallaga community of Bauchi metropolis.

While speaking at the flaging-off ceremony of the outreach which is in collaboration with MAHEMA Foundation, on Friday, the Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Bauchi, Air Vice Marshall Napoleon Bali, said the gesture is in line with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) vision of giving back to the society.

He said that during the 2-day outreach, various medical conditions would be diagnosed and treated freely while those with complex cases will be referred to the 261 Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital, Bauchi for further evaluation and expert care.

Napoleon Bali, who was represented by Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Air Vice Marshall Aliyu Bello, said that the outreach is mainly to help the poorest of the poor in the society.

He explained that: “There would also be health education, counselling, dental screening, free medicated glasses, screening for hypertension, basic laboratory screening and free drugs, amongst others.”

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“It is expected that over 3, 000 members of the community will benefit from this outreach which was designed primarily to alleviate the suffering the people who might not be able to afford quality medical care,” Napoleon Bali stated.

The Air Officer Commanding also said that in the next few days, the Nigerian Air Force medical team would be taking free health care services to other communities in Bauchi like Durum, Koho and Malmo and expressed optimism that the free medical Outreach will go a long way in improving the overall health of the people and reduce mortality from preventable diseases in the communities and also improve the overall quality of of life.

Napoleon Bali further reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to periodically reach out to surrounding rural communities to provide much needed preventive health services including health education to ensure that the burden of preventable diseases is minimised.

He then expressed appreciation to the Bauchi State Government and the people of the state “for the warm, cordial and peaceful coexistence we are enjoying. We cannot thank you enough for your hospitality and numerous sacrifices.”

One of the beneficiaries, Haladu Mohammed (73) who said he is hypertensive said he came to be treated saying, “As you can see, I cannot walk, I was carried to this place because I have stroke. I want to thank the Nigerian Air Force for bringing this free medical Outreach to help people like us. Things are very difficult for me and my family, but with this, I have relief.”