Shendam Local Government Council, in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Plateau State, has flagged off a two-day Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) to provide free healthcare services to residents of underserved communities.
The outreach, sponsored by the Executive Chairman of Shendam LGA, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, offers free medical consultations, treatment, drugs and health education as part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare at the grassroots.
Declaring the programme open, Nshe said the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through strategic partnerships with relevant institutions.
He said Shendam’s selection for the outreach was a testament to the long-standing relationship between the council and the NYSC, noting that the partnership had continued to flourish for over two decades.
“There are quite a number of people here who would not have had the money to go to the conventional hospital. Today, they are receiving free medical tests, free drugs and other healthcare services. We sincerely appreciate the NYSC for bringing this programme to our people and we will continue to partner with them.”
The chairman disclosed that his administration provides incentives for medical corps members serving in Shendam, including free accommodation and a ₦150,000 allowance for doctors, while nurses, pharmacists and laboratory scientists receive ₦70,000 to encourage more health professionals to serve in the area.
“To our corps members, especially the medical professionals, continue to give your best wherever you are posted. The little incentives we provide are to encourage you to serve our people. When you have the opportunity to make a difference, do more for humanity because life is about adding value to others.”
Nshe also highlighted ongoing investments in the health sector, including the construction and renovation of primary healthcare centres and a modern laboratory, assuring residents that his administration would continue to prioritise quality healthcare.
Speaking at the event, the NYSC Plateau State Coordinator, Mr. Jonathan Iliya Yavala, described HIRD as a quarterly intervention through which the scheme delivers free healthcare services to rural communities. He said Shendam was selected in recognition of the council’s support for the NYSC and the dedication of corps members serving in the locality.
Yavala revealed that over 400 residents had already benefited from the outreach, expressing optimism that the figure would exceed 600 before the end of the exercise. He added that the overwhelming turnout necessitated the replenishment of drugs and medical supplies.
He said beneficiaries were screened and treated for malaria, hepatitis B and C, diabetes and other health conditions, describing the programme as a major step towards improving healthcare access for rural dwellers.
The Longamai of Shendam, HRH Martins Shaldas III, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for vulnerable residents who could not afford medical treatment. He also appreciated the NYSC management for bringing the outreach to Shendam and urged the medical team to remain patient while attending to beneficiaries.
Nrs. Nfonuso Samuel said the outreach was fulfilling for the medical team as it enabled them to provide free treatment and essential drugs to residents who could not afford healthcare. She also commended the impressive turnout and described Shendam as a peaceful, welcoming and hospitable community.
Dr. Tomisin Ilori said the outreach had improved access to healthcare for rural dwellers through health education, medical consultations and treatment. He, however, stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns on hypertension, diabetes, antenatal care and routine immunisation.
One of the beneficiaries, Jessica Goyit, thanked the NYSC and the Shendam Local Government Council for the initiative, saying the free medical services had brought relief to many rural residents who could not afford hospital care. She added that beneficiaries were properly screened before receiving medication.
