Pyrates restate commitment to primary healthcare

…as 150 patients get free medical services

The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has restated its commitment to improving primary healthcare delivery through a free medical mission that provided services to over 150 patients at the Igbo-Efon Primary Healthcare Centre in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The Second Mate of the association, Bart Akelemor, made the declaration over the weekend during the free NAS Medical Mission, saying the organisation remained committed to supporting indigent Nigerians in accessing adequate healthcare.

Akelemor, who is also the Chief Programmes Officer of the organisation, said the NAS Medical Mission was designed to reach as many Nigerians as possible, particularly those in rural communities with inadequate access to healthcare.

He called on donors to support the organisation’s efforts to improve access to medical care for Nigerians who lack quality healthcare services.

ALSO READ: FG’s petrol discount fails to reduce transport fares across Nigeria —Investigation

“About 16 years ago, we identified a shortfall within Nigeria’s health system, with people at the grassroots lacking access to quality healthcare, including a lack of trained health professionals. So, we came up with NAS Medical Mission to reach out to indigent people in rural areas to provide medical support, and the primary function is to use the information we see on the ground to collate data for healthcare advocacy. That is the primary reason we commenced the NAS Medical Mission, which has transformed over the years.

“NAS Medical is a Special Purpose Vehicle of the NAS/PC to drive the mission. The idea is to make it become a global mission to ensure that we are made to reach as many Nigerians as possible. Part of the plans of the NAS Medical Mission is to be able to build health facilities in local areas where people can have access. That is the bigger picture; it is one step at a time. We have made considerable progress. We seek donors to join us.”

Also speaking, NAS Medical Pyrate, Dr Emmanuel Okpetu, described the initiative as a health intervention programme of the National Association of Seadogs aimed at assisting the less privileged.

He said the initiative seeks to address gaps in healthcare delivery and inequality in access to quality medical services.

While acknowledging that Lekki is one of the most urbanised areas in Lagos, Okpetu said the area also has rural and semi-urban communities where residents lack access to quality healthcare.

“Lekki is one of the most urbanised areas in Lagos. That does not mean it does not have rural and semi-urban areas or less privileged areas that lack access to quality healthcare. We are not offering everything and we are nor promising everything, but we are saying the little we can offer based on our expertise we are offering can go a long way to support rural inhabitants,” he said.