The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) has launched a free medical mission in a bid to mitigate the healthcare delivery shortfalls in Nigeria, especially in rural areas. The initiative was recently flagged off at the Igbo-Efon Primary Healthcare Centre in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State.
Dr. Charles Meribole, the leader of the mission, emphasized that the program aims to enhance healthcare quality in local communities. He stated that the overarching goal of the NAS Medical Mission is to promote affordable healthcare for all Nigerians, highlighting that effective healthcare begins at the primary level. Meribole expressed that the association intends to continue supporting government efforts in improving healthcare services.
Olorogun Bart Akelemor, identified as the Chief Programme Officer of the organization, mentioned that the NAS Medical Mission was established approximately 16 years ago to address the lack of access to quality healthcare at the grassroots level. He remarked that the mission serves as a data collection tool for healthcare advocacy and aims to support underprivileged communities by providing medical assistance.
Plans for the NAS Medical Mission include constructing healthcare facilities in underserved areas, with hopes of attracting donors to support this vision. Dr. Emmanuel Okpetu, another member of the NAS, highlighted that even in more urbanized regions like Lekki, there are still semi-urban and rural areas lacking adequate healthcare access.
The free medical mission aligns with the start of the First Quarter Pyrates Working Council meeting in Lagos State, representing the organization’s ongoing efforts to make a tangible impact on local health standards.
