No fewer than 1,502 residents of Akama Oghe Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State received free medical treatment and drugs from the Nigerian Army on Monday.

The free tests and items received from the Army free medical outreach included: HIV/AIDS and malaria tests; blood sugar and blood pressure check; eye test, physiotherapy massage and dental care.

Other items distributed freely included: deworming medicines for children, insecticide treated nets, 300 pairs of eye glasses, drugs as well as health talk and counseling on good food and healthy life-style.

Flagging off the medical outreach, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Lasisi Adegboye, said that the medical exercise was part of the ongoing “Exercise Atilogwu Udo 1.’’

Adegboye noted that the exercise was meant to enhance civil-military relationship, which is aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the civilian populace.

He said that the medical outreach and other social intervention works were carried out in the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) in five South-East states and Cross River state to improve Civil-Military-relations.

The GOC said: “The Nigerian Army, under the able leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, engages in these civil exercises to win the hearts and minds of host communities.”

Responding, the Traditional Prime-Minister (Onowu) of the community, Chief Edwin Umeh, thanked the Nigerian Army for exercise, adding that it was the first time the community residents would see soldiers engage in humanitarian work.

“We are so glad and overwhelmed that the Nigeria Army is sharing our health burden and had given us a lot free medication, which runs into millions today,” Umeh said.

The Secretary-General of the community, Mr Samuel Andy, said that the free medical outreach had drawn the residents closer to the army, adding that before now “there is this fear among the residents when they see military men.

“We are grateful for the wonderful outreach, which has helped to break the barrier and fear between officers and men of the Nigerian Army and Akama Oghe residents,’’ Andy said.

One of the beneficiaries of the exercise, Ma Regina Anaedo, who received a pair of eye glasses and drugs, applauded the Nigerian Army for the exercise, adding “What I have received today runs into several thousands of naira.

“This is God-sent. I did not imagine in my entire life that I will met military men that will be so compassionate to listen to me as I narrate my various health challenge. God bless the Nigeria Army and its headship,’’ Anaedo said.

Another beneficiary, Mr Favour Uzochukwu, thanked the Nigerian Army for the free medication, medical counseling and deworming of children within the community.

Lt.-Col. Ijoma Ijomanta, Commander of the Division’s Medical Services, said that the prevailing illness among those diagnosed were malaria, high blood pressure and poor eye sight.

“We have advised them to cut down on their carbohydrate and salt intake; while eating more of vegetables and fruit to maintain a balance body weight and sight.

“We are also going to do referral service of some patients to the Division’s hospital after due consultation with the community leadership,” Ijomanta said.

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