By Wilson Adekumola
The Armoured Corps of the Nigerian Army in Bauchi State organized a one-day medical outreach for the people of Unguwan Sarakuna, Rafin Makaranta and Magaji quarters in Bauchi metropolis to improve the health standard of the civilian community.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the commander, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Ahmed, while speaking at the event on Saturday, said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, directed the corps to conduct the exercise.
He explained that the outreach was to announce the week-long Nigerian Army Combat Training Week hosted by the Armoured Corps, Bauchi, beginning on May 7.
He said the outreach, which would cover blood pressure checks, heart problems, and diabetes, was open to as many people as possible from the areas.
It would also cover maternal and child services, malaria and typhoid, screening for hepatitis, free dental services, and distribution of free eye glasses, he added.
“The Nigerian Army has been putting emphasis on civilian-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 standards 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 people have been coming and we have been treating them.
“Security is all-encompassing. It is not a single person-business; communities are a very important aspect of security.
“We get intelligence and information from the communities because most of the criminals live within the communities.
“If the communities keep cooperating with us, giving information to us, this is how we will protect them and protect ourselves,’’ Ahmed said.
At the event, Mr Awwal Suleiman, Assistant Director, Medical Services at the Bauchi State Ministry of Health, hailed the military for the overture.
He represented the state’s Commissioner for Health, Mr Sabiu Gwallabe, at the occasion.
He expressed the state government commitment to partner with the military to address health issues.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malam Hassan Mohammed, Ward Head of Unguwan Sarakuna commended the Nigerian Army for the kind gesture and for conducting the outreach in the communities.
