Relief came for at least 1,830 residents of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA), who accessed free medical services during a four day outreach by the council amid rising healthcare costs and economic hardship.

The outreach, organised by the council, provided a range of services, including medical consultations, laboratory investigations, treatment of common ailments, dental care, eye care and surgeries.

It was learnt that no fewer than 38 surgeries were successfully carried out, while about 500 pairs of eyeglasses were distributed to beneficiaries. Arrangements were also made for referral cases to tertiary health facilities, with the council pledging to cover associated costs.

Flagging off the programme, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area,Allwell Ihunda,
,said the initiative was designed to improve the health and wellbeing of residents, noting that good health remains critical to productivity and societal development.

He explained that the programme, the first of its kind by the council, was open to both residents and non-residents, adding that the administration would sustain the initiative.

“This programme is for everyone. We will prioritise the health of our people because only a healthy population can achieve meaningful results,” he said, adding that the council would also continue with youth and women empowerment schemes as well as ward-based development projects.

Speaking, the Medical Officer of Health in the council, Victoria Ewor, said the intervention became necessary due to the increasing number of people unable to access quality healthcare as a result of financial constraints.

She noted that despite existing health programmes, including the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Scheme, many residents still struggle with the cost of medical care.

According to her, “We are in challenging times where many people cannot afford basic healthcare services. This outreach is targeted at reducing that burden, especially for vulnerable groups.”

Also, the lead surgeon for the outreach, Dr. Kasmire Nwanele, said the intervention  was timely. He disclosed that the surgeries conducted included minor and major procedures such as removal of lumps and appendectomies among many others.

In the same vein, a public health physician and the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr. Vetty Agala, described the initiative as timely, stressing that access to healthcare is essential for coping with present economic realities.

She urged residents to enrol in health insurance schemes to ensure sustainable access to medical services.

Some beneficiaries who spoke to The Guardian commended the council for the initiative, describing it as timely relief, particularly for low-income earners.

The council appreciates the support of medical personnel, including doctors serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), while council authorities appreciated councillors and stakeholders for supporting the programme.