More than 800 residents of Idoro community, Uyo local government area in Akwa Ibom have benefitted from free medical outreach, sponsored the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army under Operation Crocodile Smile IV.
The Commanding Officer, 2 Brigade Medical Center in Uyo, Major Oghenevo Emadia, said the free medical outreach has catered for all age groups, both the elderly and the young.
Emadia speaking to journalists in Uyo on Saturday said “To Flag-off the exercise, Operation Crocodile Smile IV, we earmarked Idoro community which serves as the host community for our Brigade Garrison.
“We came here with skill personnels, like Medical Doctors, Nurses, Eye Specialists, Pharmacists and Laboratory Scientists to come and provide free medical services.
“Our target population is 800 persons since we have other outreach in other parts of the state. Drugs and all medical service have been provided.
“The treatment research ailments noticed among the elderly are diabetes, hypertension, body pains and all others.
“For children, the most prevalent ailments are malaria, viral throat infection and water-born disease which we have provide medical service to cater for all of that. In this free medical service we are not only providing drugs, but also medication on personal and environmental hygiene.
“Over 800 persons in Idoro community in Akwa Ibom have benefited from free medical services rendered today by the Nigerian army,” he said.
The Guest of Honour on the occasion, Mr Akpan Ikim, Chairman Akwa Ibom State Waste Management, commended the Nigerian Army for their free medical service, stressing that the gesture has changed the perception of the people towards the army.
“I commend the Nigerian Army for this show of love. Before now, when we hear of Operation Crocodile Smile we use to think, how does crocodile smile? But you have made us to understand that crocodile smile is for the benefit of the citizens, even those in the village and everyone at large.
“Operation Crocodile Smile is something we must embrace and assist, we must thank you immensely today because what you have done for us, we will never forget.
“It is something that will remain in our mine, and it is something the host community (Idoro) and the entire people of Akwa Ibom will continue to appreciate. Thank you very much for this gesture.
“As indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, we will continue to support the Army in anyway we can, to make sure that Operation Crocodile Smile IV is a success,” Ikim said.
Speaking, Chief Edem Akpan, Village Head of Idoro community and one of the beneficiaries, appreciated the army for their free medical outreach, adding that a lot of people who could not go to hospital because of money willingly came out to access the free medical outreach.
“I am very grateful to the Soldiers for embarking on this social services by coming to give us free medical treatment, may God bless and guard them,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Dennis Isaiah, Chaiman village council thanked the Nigerian Army for the exercise, adding that the less privileged in the community, who could not afford to buy card in the hospital really appreciated the army for the free medical outreach.
