The Nigeria Air Force Special Operation Command, Bauchi, on Wednesday commenced a five-day free medical outreach in Katagum Local Government Area of the state.
The Commanding Officer, Bauchi Command, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Kaita, said that the exercise was targeting 3,000 indigent people in the area.
He explained that it is also aimed at complementing the Federal and State Governments’ healthcare initiatives.
Kaita said that quality healthcare services would be provided to the less privileged during the outreach.
“This exercise will further strengthen civil-military relations and will reduce the burden of prevalent diseases.
“The exercise includes surgeries, laboratory tests and consultations by our team of professionals,’’ he said.
Speaking earlier, Wing Commander Umar Mohammed, said that about 54 medical personnel had been mobilised for the exercise, adding that surgeries will be conducted at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare.
“The surgeries are to be conducted by 261 Nigeria Airforce Reference Hospital; similar exercises were in recent past in places such as Durum, Maiduguri and Kurhu, among others.
“In Katagum, we have a team of 54 medical personnel for the exercise,” Mohammed said.
The Chief Medical Director, FMC Azare, Dr Abdullahi Ibrahim, said that the health facility would support the exercise, adding that more personnel will be deployed to ensure success of the exercise.
Ibrahim said that portable medical equipment would be provided at the hospital for the exercise and the theatres would be made readily available for surgeries.
Similarly, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Baba Umar, represented by the Makama of Katagum, Alhaji Aliyu Hussaini, appreciated the efforts of NAF for the outreach.
The News Nigeria of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ailments to be treated include Hypertension, Diabetes, Cataract, Hernia, Fibroid, and Malaria.
Drugs and treated mosquito nets will also be distributed free during to the beneficiaries. (NAN)
