The National Youth Service Corps has flagged off its 2026 second quarter Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers with a free medical outreach at Umuda Isingwu Community Hall in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

The Abia State NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, declared the programme open on Thursday, describing the initiative as a deliberate effort to bridge healthcare gaps and bring relief to underserved communities. He noted that the scheme mobilises corps medical personnel, supported by drugs and equipment donated by public spirited individuals and organisations, to deliver free healthcare at no cost to beneficiaries.

"Through this intervention, the scheme continues to bridge healthcare gaps while bringing hope and relief to those who need it most. These services are being provided free of charge in line with our determination to reduce the burden of healthcare costs and promote healthier communities," Tanimu stated.

Services available at the outreach include general consultation, health screening, dental care, eye examination, immunisation, health education and counselling. The coordinator commended corps doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses and laboratory scientists for volunteering their expertise, urging children, youths and elderly residents to take advantage of the programme.

Tanimu also acknowledged the Executive Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Smart Iheoma, and the Chima Anyaso Foundation, which sponsored the outreach.

"Your commitment to improving access to healthcare for vulnerable communities is truly commendable. By partnering with the NYSC on this life changing initiative, you have demonstrated that meaningful development is best achieved through collaboration and compassion," he said.

The President of the NYSC Medical and Health Community Development Service Group in Abia State, Dr Marvellous Osarhiaekhimen, confirmed that the outreach forms part of a quarterly programme in which corps medical professionals visit rural communities to provide free primary healthcare.

"We go to villages to conduct free medical outreach for rural dwellers. We offer primary care, including consultation and drugs for conditions that can be managed. Anything that requires surgery or is an emergency, we refer to FMC," she explained.

Osarhiaekhimen added that health education sessions were also conducted, with medical personnel speaking to residents on disease prevention. Over 300 residents had registered for treatment ahead of the outreach.

An 83 year old beneficiary, Mrs Joy Nkemakolam, praised the Chima Anyaso Foundation and the NYSC for organising what she described as one of the largest free medical outreaches the community had witnessed, noting that elderly residents unable to afford medical care had received quality treatment at no cost.