The seven year old National Youth Service Corps Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers Initiative (NYSC - HIRD) has succeeded so far in impacting the lives of over two million persons at the grassroot level in the country. The initiative which was created to reach out to core rural areas to enhance accessibility of health care services by the Rural Dwellers has succeeded in deepening the impact of health care services in the country.

This was disclosed by the Director General of NYSC, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim at the flag off ceremony of the last quarter of the year HIRD programme at Apomu and Ikoyi in Isokan LGA on Monday.

The flag off took place at the Palace of the Alapomu, of Apomu land, HRM, Oba Adenekan Afolabi and had in attendance the Executive Chairman of the local government, Hon. Maruf Akinlemi and other Chiefs and council members.

The Director General who was represented at the event by the State Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka, further stated that the health initiative is a program of the scheme aimed at taking free health care to the neglected and those who find it difficult to access healthcare due to the remoteness of their location, as there are low concentrations of health centres and hospitals there.

"The health initiative ensures we give back to our communities. It is not a one off thing, but one that we have set the pace for and will continue to do, and we are definite that the people in this community will remember us for it", she said.

According to her, the scheme is blessed with energetic and skilled manpower who serve as intervention agents in all the local governments. The Scheme also ensures that the time, knowledge and skills of the corps members are dully deployed for the benefit of humanity. She said that the Scheme through the initiative makes the services of her corps médical team available to the masses free of charge.

Also speaking at the event, Chief Oyewunmi Mustapha, the Barajiki of Apomu land, who represented His Royal Majesty, Oba Kayode Afolabi Adenekan, appreciated the Director General for the giant stride taken in ensuring that the people in the rural areas get access to free quality healthcare services through the deployment of skilled medical officers and medical consumables.

Chief Oyewunmi described the initiative as a laudable one which will help to improve the quality of life of the people of Apomu and IKOYI communities.

"This event is a very good one and we are so happy because our king is an efficient man that encourages initiatives like this. Having enjoyed the benefit of today's checkup, we will keep supporting the Scheme so that we can continue to enjoy more of this service", he added.

Earlier, in his opening speech, the Executive Chairman Isokan LGA, Honourable Marouf Akinlemi, commended the Scheme for the initiative, as, according to him, there is nothing you can do without health.

"Sincerely speaking, many people don't have opportunities to go to the hospital and this is an advantage for them to get free checkups and medications", he added.

He further encouraged programmes and initiatives like this from both private and public bodies, as he concluded his speech.

The event featured an health talk on disease prevention by corps member Samuel Shola, who enlightened the people on the importance of diet in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

He enlightened them on the kinds of food to be consumed and urged them to avoid high salt intake, cholesterol, alcohol and cigarette as these destroy vital organs in the body. He encouraged them to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables and that they should also exercise regularly.

Shola also enlightened the people present on the need to regularly check their vitals such as their blood pressure, sugar level, among others as a stitch in time saves nine.

Dr Ibe Chidinma, in an interview, said that the purpose of the health initiative programme is to create awareness that there are corps members who are ready to tender to the health of the people.

"Some people are scared of going to the hospital and we have come to show them that we are here to help", she added.

Other highlights of the event includes: provision of first aid services, checking of vitals, doctors' assessments and diagnoses, lab analysis and drug issuance.