By Lucky Uto
Hundreds of residents in Deghele and nearby villages in Elume, Sapele Local Government Area, have received free medical care through an outreach sponsored by Senator Ede Dafinone.
The programme, held at Deghele Health Center, attracted men, women, and elderly people, many of whom rarely have access to proper healthcare services.
Beneficiaries received various medical services, including hepatitis screening, blood pressure checks, malaria tests, blood sugar tests, and general consultations.
Health education was also provided to help residents understand how to prevent and identify common illnesses early.
Speaking at the event, the Senate Liaison Officer in Sapele, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, said the outreach was aimed at improving healthcare access in rural communities.
He noted that many residents lack medical facilities and described the programme as a way to bridge that gap.
He added that beyond treatment, participants were educated on how to recognize symptoms and seek help early, stressing that knowledge is just as important as medication.
The President General of Elume District, Comrade Victor Azan, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as impactful and unexpected. He said residents from about 19 villages were informed, and many turned out in large numbers.
Also speaking, Hon. Morrison Ikoyo encouraged residents to make regular health checks a priority, noting that early detection can prevent serious health issues.
Some beneficiaries shared their appreciation; Mrs. Evelyn Okoro said she discovered she had high blood pressure during the outreach, something she was unaware of due to lack of funds for hospital visits.
Another resident, Eunice Pemu, described the programme as life-saving, saying many people in rural areas often ignore health problems because they cannot afford treatment.
The outreach highlights the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to underserved communities and is expected to improve the wellbeing of many residents in the area.
