BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG
FORMER President of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG and a member of the House of Representative, representing Akoko-Edo, Federal Constituency of Edo state, Comrade Peter Akpatason, has embarked on free medical service for the people of the constituency to boost their access to quality healthcare services.

At the kick-off, over 2000 people benefited for the exercise which covered medical examinations in fever, sugar, blood pressure, hepatitis, glucose, eye and treatment was given for any detected case, such as major and minor surgeries.

Speaking at the General Hospital Igarra and General Hospital Ibilo, Comrade Akpatason who also a national Trustee of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, said the free medical service was part of ways to demonstrate his commitment to the service and welfare of the people of the constituency.

He said this came after realising that “A whole lot of people in the rural constituency do not have easy access to quality medical treatment. I want to work with a healthy population in the Akoko-Edo developmental project. Many have died out of ignorance, and several others walk about with death in their pockets.

Merely having access to free medical examination could reveal such dangers and help to avert avoidable deathsand health complications.  Though it costs me a colossal amount, in the end, health is wealth. The people have to be alive and healthy for them to be able to benefit from developmental efforts”.

I desire to continuously attract dividends of democracy to my people in different forms. I am glad at the turn out and the appreciation expressed by the participants in such a zestful mood”.  Medical services offered include fever, sugar, blood pressure, hepatitis, glucose, eye.

Recommended drugs and eye glasses were distributed free of charge. Arrangement is in place with Irua Specialist, Igarra and Ibilo Gen Hospitals for follow up on surgery cases.”