Residents of the Egini community in the Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have lauded the National Association of Seadogs, NAS (Pyrates Confraternity) for attending to the medical concerns of over 500 residents during its outreach programme, NAS Medical Mission, on Friday.
The medical outreach, a prelude to the NAS 2024/25 Quarter 1 Pyrates Working Committee meeting held in Effurun, Uvwie LGA, provided essential healthcare services to the community.
No fewer than 500 patients were attended to and given medications at the Primary Healthcare Centre at Egini.
At the same time, the association’s medical team referred some of them to the Central Hospital in Warri.
This initiative, part of NAS’s quarterly programme, aimed to address the medical needs of underserved communities and advocate for improved healthcare access.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, President-General of Egini, Dolor Patrick, said the residents of Egini were grateful for the outreach.
He noted that it saved them transportation costs and provided quality care at their doorstep.
“To access care at the General Hospital costs around N600 just in transport. NAS’s presence here saves us that expense,” he said.
Similarly, Mama Joy Onogharefe, a resident treated for typhoid and malaria, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The treatment was free, thanks to NAS. I was previously asked to pay N25,000 elsewhere, but today, I got it all here without charge.”
NAS First Mate and Chief Administrative Officer, Dr Kenechukwu Eneli, who led the outreach, emphasised the organization’s commitment to impacting lives at every stop.
He said, “Today, we’re here in Egini to bring healthcare directly to the people because our organization exists to assist those in need and amplify voices that may otherwise go unheard.”
Eneli, a US-based medical practitioner, explained that “the outreach offered free diagnosis, treatment, and referrals, targeting conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and malaria.”
Also, NAS’s Second Mate and Chief Programmes Officer, Chief Bart Akelemor, a UK-based healthcare professional, highlighted the broader mission behind the medical outreach, stating, “Our medical mission began in 2010 to provide healthcare support to rural communities lacking access to medical facilities.
“Many people avoid hospitals due to high treatment costs and instead seek care from local chemists or native healers.
“By coming here, we’re offering direct medical care and sending a message to the government. When we witness health facility deficiencies, like the lack of doctors, we bring it to the authorities’ attention.”
Similarly, the NAS Medical Pyrate leader of the medical team, Dr Odoemena Chiazor, noted that severe cases were referred to Warri’s Central Hospital.
He said, “This mission is focused on consultation, treatment, and necessary referrals. We already arranged with Central Hospital, Warri, to handle follow-ups for referred patients.”
Chiazor further called on the government to strengthen primary healthcare facilities.
On his part, the Udu Local Government Chairman, Vincent Oyibode, commended NAS for its intervention, underscoring its value to the community.
He said, “The Seadogs have provided free healthcare to Egini and extended services to the larger Udu community. This gesture is commendable and supports our local health facilities, which often struggle with resources.”
Oyibode urged residents to utilize the programme and expressed gratitude for NAS’s support.
With over 500 beneficiaries, NAS has alleviated significant healthcare burdens in Egini and plans to continue expanding its outreach efforts across Nigeria, ensuring rural communities receive quality healthcare and advocacy support.
