- National Youth Service Corps provided free medical services to 757 residents during a rural outreach in Dutse, Jigawa State
- Medical corps members treated common illnesses and delivered health education, targeting vulnerable groups including pregnant women and the elderly
- Community leaders praised the initiative, highlighting its impact in improving access to healthcare in underserved rural areas
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Jigawa State has provided free medical services to no fewer than 757 residents during a one-day Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers held at the Chamo Primary Health Care Centre in Dutse.
The outreach, organised under the NYSC’s Community Development Service (CDS), targeted vulnerable groups including pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and the elderly. Large numbers of residents turned out to receive medical consultations, treatment and free medications.
Speaking during the inauguration on Wednesday, the NYSC State Coordinator, Bala Muhammad, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the scheme’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of rural communities.
He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies, healthcare institutions and corps members to sustain such interventions, praising the dedication of the medical personnel involved.
“Their commitment shows that youth service remains a vital tool for national development,” Muhammad said, noting that NYSC medical corps members led the outreach. According to him, the team treated a range of common illnesses, including malaria and hypertension.
In addition to clinical services, the programme featured health education sessions focused on preventive care, personal hygiene and healthy living practices. Organisers said the aim was not only to treat illnesses but also to equip residents with knowledge to reduce future health risks.
Muhammad further disclosed that the provision of free drugs was made possible through the support of several stakeholders, including Ringim General Hospital, as well as contributions from key government officials such as Isa Chamo, Nura, and Muttaka Namadi.
Community leaders welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful. Representing the District Head of Chamo, Aminu Ibrahim, noted that residents often lack access to quality healthcare without travelling long distances.
“Our people rarely receive this level of care unless they travel far,” he said, expressing appreciation to the NYSC and its partners.
Also speaking, the head of the facility, Rabi’u Ali, said the high turnout highlighted the urgent need for more frequent medical outreaches in rural areas.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Chamo Ward Development Association, Adamu Idris, described the initiative as highly beneficial and urged authorities and donors to replicate it in other underserved communities.
The outreach underscores the growing role of corps members in bridging healthcare gaps, particularly in rural parts of Nigeria where access to medical services remains limited.
HND graduates demand equal rights, protest exclusion from NYSC
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates expressed frustration over exclusion from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. The protesters demanded inclusion, citing the struggles of transitioning from part-time ND to full-time HND studies.
The NYSC Coordinator assured protesters that their concerns have been communicated to higher authorities for review.