More than 3,000 people with various illnesses have received free medical treatment and medications in Garaha, located in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The free medical outreach is part of The Harvest Family Outreach programme, a faith-based, non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA), Adamawa State chapter.
This is the first medical outreach organised in Adamawa State by the group. According to the project coordinator, Ms Chioma Odili, the outreach is an annual event typically held in Kaduna State and other northern states. It aims to address health challenges faced by mostly indigent individuals in society.
Ms Odili noted that the Harvest Family Outreach programme encompasses evangelism, health, education, training, and development, with a focus on building individual capacity and fostering children’s mental development.
This year’s medical outreach, themed “I will restore health unto thee and I will heal thee of thy wounds,” aims to treat about 5,000 people with various ailments, including blood pressure screening, random blood sugar testing, hepatitis B and C testing, HIV testing, and minor surgeries, among other services.
Engr. Injinya Nimord Musa, Director of The Harvest Family Outreach, represented by Dr. Lemuel Musa, spoke to journalists during the two-day medical outreach. He emphasised that THFO programmes address various aspects of life, including children’s spiritual and physical growth.
“This year’s medical outreach was brought to Garaha town, in Hong Local Government Area, to honour our founder and also to give back to society,” he added.
“We have been doing this medical outreach and other programmes for some time now, but I must tell you, with what I see here and the testimonies in the last two days, it gives us great worries and concerns about the health needs of our people. The people need good healthcare, water, and more,” said one of the organisers.
Noting further, “Government cannot do it all for us, so it’s my plea to well-to-do individuals, groups, and corporate organisations to come and assist, just like THFO.”
The lead surgeon for the two-day medical outreach, Dr Raymond Chidama, stated that the programme successfully carried out over 100 minor surgeries.
He expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the outreach and called on well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to assist in improving the health and well-being of the people, stressing that the government alone cannot meet all the medical needs of its citizens.
A beneficiary of the free surgery, 23-year-old Saratudeen Alhassan, who underwent an appendectomy, was full of praise for the organisation. “I have been having this pain for over two years now, but because there was no money, I couldn’t go for the operation. I really thank God,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Abubakar Halidu, shared his experience: “For 15 years now, I have been suffering from a hernia. Because of lack of money, I carried it, but today I have been operated on and even discharged.”
Mr Abubakar’s testimony was confirmed by Dr Raymond Chidama, who performed the surgery alongside other doctors. “This man was diagnosed 15 years ago. I did not see him again until today. I am grateful it was successful,” Dr. Chidama stated.
The two-day medical outreach also provided treatment for malaria and other ailments, with beneficiaries receiving free medications.
Residents from all ten wards of Hong Local Government Area and neighbouring Gombi Local Government Area turned out in large numbers to benefit from the free medical treatment.
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