By Abasi Ita
Residents of Calabar South Local Government Area in Cross River State have lauded the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, for a free medical outreach held to mark his birthday, with more than 1,000 people benefiting from the exercise.
Speaking at the programme, the Chief of Staff, Chief Ironbar, described the initiative as a practical step toward improving access to healthcare at the grassroots and reaffirmed the need for stronger collaboration to reach underserved communities.
He expressed appreciation to the medical team for working in partnership with the government to expand access to quality healthcare for underserved populations.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of Arubah Specialist Hospital, Dr Ikechukwu Ogwe, said the outreach was part of the hospital’s commitment to community service, noting that the turnout reflected a strong demand for sustained local health interventions.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in the state, Dr Ezoke Epoke, said the programme demonstrated effective collaboration among health professionals and pledged continued support for similar initiatives that promote preventive healthcare.
He advised residents to prioritise regular medical checkups.
The outreach was organised by Arubah Specialist Hospital in partnership with key health organisations and delivered a range of healthcare services under the theme Free Healthcare for All.
Supporting partners included the Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State chapter, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
The event was held at the Government Secondary School Field on Atu Street and attracted a large turnout of residents seeking medical care.
More than 40 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and pharmacists, participated in the outreach.
Services provided included eye screening with free reading glasses, blood sugar and blood pressure tests, general consultations with medication, and women’s health services.
Organisers said the programme was designed to expand access to basic healthcare services and encourage preventive health practices among residents.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Emediong Akpan, said she received treatment for eye and blood pressure conditions and commended the organisers for the quality of care, while expressing hope that such programmes would continue.