Obinna Uchendu
Abakaliki
The National Association of Seadogs, (Pyrates Confraternity) Ebonyi State Chapter has carried out a free medical outreached to over 50 inmates of the the Saint Vincent De Paul Old and Disabled People’s home Abakaliki and residents of the environ as part of event marking it’s Annual Feast of Barracuda (FOB) in the State.
Part of the free medical checks carried out on the inmates and residents by the Association includes, vital signs, sugar level checks, HBP among others. The Association also made referral on emergency cases and also gave out drugs to the inmates.
The President of the association, Dr Ugwu Okereke said the free medical outreach is in line with the policy of the National Association of Seadogs to give back to the society adding that as part of the celebration of the feast, drugs were procured, medical doctors and nurses were brought to attend to some of the medical needs of the inmates who are old, disabled and vulnerable.
“We did not just decide to visit the home today, we have been visiting the home since 2014. But today’s visit is significant because it marks part of the celebration of our Feast of Barracuda, FOB. The feast of Barracuda for the Seadogs is an annual feast when we bring from our abundance and share with people especially the less privileged ones amongst us.
“We decided as part of the activities to carry out a free medical intervention on the inmates of the homes and residents of the area. We came in with Doctors and nurses to run checks on them, administer drugs on them and in cases that needs referral, we will make referral.
“In 2014, we visited the home and realized that they don’t have any portable water supply and we dug a borehole for them. Two years later, we also observed the health challenges they are facing and we opened a clinic here for them and ensured that a professional doctor and nurses comes around regularly to check on them.
A Medical Doctor, Dr. Bola Ashiru while addressing the inmates on the dangers of Cholera urged them to always ensure personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness adding that cholera is a preventive disease if all the guild and prevention will be strictly adhered to.
He called on the State Government and other good spirited individuals in the society to come to the aide of the inmates adding that many depends on arms begging to feed themselves.
“The inmates needs all our support. Many of them are old and helpless. The Government and other spirited individuals needs to come to their aide. Seadogs is doing it’s best but let others also support. Some of them, their health status is not all encouraging, the building needs to be expanded to accommodate more toilet facilities. The number using the toilet facility in the home is not in the best interest of their health.
The Chairman of the Home, Mr. Moses Lekpa expressed sadness over the death record currently being recorded among the inmates and called for quick medical attention on the inmates. We have lost two of our inmates this year following some health challenges.
“Most of the common health challenge we are encountering here is malaria and typhoid, Diabetes and High blood pressure. One of our inmates just died recently and he has been battling with diabetes and their has not been much help coming apart from the members of the Seadogs that usually come and bring in drugs to our clinic.
“We want Government to please help us in the area of healthcare. We are not here along, we are here with our children and many of them are out of school because we can’t afford to train them. We need the assistance of all and I must commend Seadogs for all their efforts towards alleviating our sufferings. Ends.
