BY MICHAEL IKEOGWU -WARRI
THE National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Pyrates Confraternity, commonly known as NAS, at the weekend, held a free medical outreach in Egini community and environs, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, providing essential healthcare services to the community.
The initiative is part of NAS’s quarterly programme, aimed at addressing the medical needs of underserved communities and advocate for improved healthcare access.
Leading the outreach, Dr. Kenechukwu Eneli, NAS First Mate and Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized 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.”
Dr. Eneli, a U.S.-based medical practitioner, explained that, “the outreach offered free diagnosis, treatment, and referrals, targeting conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and malaria.”
NAS’s Second Mate, 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. We find many people avoid hospitals due to high treatment costs and instead seek care from local chemists or native healers.”
He added, “By coming here, we’re not only offering direct medical care but also sending a message to the government. When we witness health facility deficiencies, like the lack of doctors, we bring it to the authorities’ attention.”
Dr. Odoemena Chiazor, a member of NAS’s medical team, detailed the outreach’s structure, noting that serious cases were referred to Warri’s Central Hospital. Also 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,” he said.
Dr. Chiazor further called on the government to strengthen primary healthcare facilities. Saying, “Health management starts at the grassroots. We need more doctors and nurses here in Egini and across Udu LGA to handle primary health cases effectively,” he added.
On his part, the Udu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Vincent Oyibode, praised NAS for its intervention, underscoring its value to the community. According to him, “The Seadogs have not only provided free healthcare to Egini but extended services to the larger Udu community. This gesture is commendable and supports our local health facilities, which often struggle with resources,” he said. Oyibode urged residents to utilize the program fully, expressing gratitude for NAS’s support.
NAS Welfare Committee representative, Ejim Chiadikobi, traveled from Port Harcourt to support the outreach and also benefited from the care provided. “I came for an eye check-up and received treatment here. Our mission is to reach those without healthcare access, and today I can attest to its impact,” he shared.
Residents of Egini were grateful for the outreach. President-General of Egini, Dolor Patrick, noted that the outreach saved them transportation costs and provided quality care at their doorstep. “To access care at the General Hospital costs around ₦600 just in transport. NAS’s presence here saves us that expense,” he said.
Similarly, Mama Joy Onogharefe, a local resident treated for typhoid and malaria, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The treatment was free, thanks to NAS. I was previously asked to pay ₦25,000 elsewhere, but today I got it all here without charge.”
With over 500 residents already served, NAS has alleviated significant healthcare burdens in Egini and plans to continue expanding its outreach efforts across Nigeria, ensuring rural communities receive quality healthcare, others and advocacy support.
