The Nigerian Army, Armoured Corps in Bauchi State has flagged off a one-day medical outreach for the people of Unguwan Sarakuna, Rafin Makaranta and Magaji quarters in Bauchi metropolis.
Speaking during the flagging-off ceremony on Saturday, Maj-Gen Mohammed Ahmed, Commander, Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Bauchi, said that the Chief of Air Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Farouk Yahaya directed the corps to conduct the exercise.
According to him, this is imperative to mark the beginning of a week-long Nigerian Army Combat Training Week (CAT WEEK 2023) hosted by the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Bauchi which would commence on May 7 to May 11.
The commander, who explained that the outreach is open to as many people as possible from the areas, added that some of the ailments to be looked into included; high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes.
Others, he said included maternal and child services, malaria and typhoid, screening for hepatitis, free dental services, and distribution of free eyeglasses for those in need of it, among others.
“As you know, the Nigerian Army has been putting emphasis on civil-military cooperation and so many things have been done and this is part of it.
“The idea is that we want to improve the health of the civilian communities around us and this health programme is not only limited to today, our medical facilities are open to our immediate neighbours and they have been coming and we have been treating them.
“Security is all-encompassing. It’s not a single-person business. The communities are a very important aspect of security.
“We get intelligence and information from them because most of the people that commit crimes live within the communities.
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“So, if the communities keep cooperating with us, giving information to us, this is how we’ll protect them and protect ourselves,” he said.
Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Sabiu Abdul Gwallabe lauded the military personnel for extending their hands not only in the provision of security but also in the provision of healthcare services across the country.
Represented by Awwal Suleiman, an Assistant Director, Medical Services from the ministry, the commissioner promised that the state government is ready to partner with the military to address all the state’s health indices and the country as a whole.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malam Hassan Mohammed, Ward Head of Unguwan Sarakuna lauded the Nigerian Army for the kind gesture and for bringing the outreach to the communities.
