By Correspondent.
In a decisive move to close healthcare gaps and bring essential services closer to grassroots communities, the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) has delivered a comprehensive medical outreach to Agbere Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
This is contained in a statement signed by Dr. Joseph Tonbara Golbador,Public Relations Officer (PRO),APHPN, Bayelsa State Chapter and a copy available to The Reporters on Saturday in Lokoja.
He said the intervention, which formed part of activities marking Day Three of the National President of APHPN’s official visit to the state, targeted underserved residents who often struggle with limited access to basic healthcare services.
According to the PRO,the outreach is designed to directly address preventable illnesses, improve early disease detection, and promote overall community well-being.
He disclosed that 192 patients were attended to during the exercise, adding that the exercise underscored the depth of healthcare needs in rural communities and the critical role of professional medical bodies in complementing government efforts.
“Beneficiaries include children, women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups within the community.
“During the outreach, residents received free medical consultations from qualified public health physicians and other healthcare professionals.
“Basic laboratory tests were also conducted to aid accurate diagnosis, while free medications were dispensed to patients based on clinical findings.
“Beyond curative care, the programme placed strong emphasis on preventive health. Routine immunisation services were provided to eligible children, helping to protect them against vaccine-preventable diseases and reinforcing public health surveillance at the community level.
“In a holistic approach to social health determinants, the outreach also featured birth registration and the issuance of birth certificates, giving many children formal identity and legal recognition for the first time.
“Eye screening services were equally conducted, with medicated glasses provided to residents diagnosed with visual impairments,” he said.
Responding,Community leaders and beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation to APHPN for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful in a setting where healthcare access remains a challenge.
Many residents noted that the outreach not only helped them treat ailments but also restored their confidence in the possibility of quality healthcare reaching rural communities.
According to them,ahe Agbere medical outreach further highlights APHPN’s mission to strengthen public health systems, promote equity in healthcare delivery, and support underserved populations across Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large.
The Reporters gathered that the programme was endorsed by the Bayelsa State Chapter of APHPN while Dr. Joseph Tonbara Golbador,reaffirmed the association’s commitment to sustained community-based health interventions that leave lasting impact.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
