No fewer than 3,000 residents of Ikot Ishie community in Calabar Municipality, have benefited from the annual Navy Medical Rhapsody in Cross River.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the medical outreach is being undertaking by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), ENC, Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande in his remarks at the event, said that the exercise was part of activities to mark the 68th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.
“We are also using the event to mark the 2024 edition of the Navy Week celebration,” he said.
He said that the essence of the Rhapsody was to reach out to the host community and to promote healthy relationship between them and the navy.
Represented by Capt. Simon Ocholi, the Chief Medical Officer, ENC, Akinwande, also said that the outreach would impact positively on the health of the community people.
“It is also part of our corporate social responsibility. The exercise is featuring preventive services, screening and health education.
“In doing this, we are helping to ensure early detection, prevention of diseases, bridging the gap in health access and promoting public health.” he said.
In his address, Chief Effiong Effiong, Chairman, Ikot Ishie Local Government Council, commended the navy for the gesture.
“We are asking for more support and collaborations with you to enhance the wellbeing of our community.
“We are committed to ensuring strong synergy with you, we shall always do our part to enable the navy to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.(NAN)
