By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
An international Non-Governmental Organization Holistique Public Healthcare has called for the conscious establishment of health facilities in local communities, to bridge the gap in health care.
The Programme Administrator of Holistique Public Health, Ebube Bruno made the call at the weekend during a free medical outreach to mark the grand opening of WESSA Pharmacy and Robin Diagnostics Health Hub in 4 Miles, Ikot Ansa Calabar.
Speaking at the event which impacted no fewer than 505 persons, Bruno said “We need to go beyond building big hospitals in cities. Healthcare is more effective when we bring it closer to the huge number of people domiciled in local communities”.
He argued that “this will help fight quacks who take advantage of the infrastructure gaps, ignorance and poverty in our villages and communities. That is why we are here to support the expansion effort of Wessa Pharmacy”
The free medical services was held to mark the grand opening of a Health Hub that integrates a pharmacy, a diagnostic laboratory, and an eye care center in the community.
On his part, Pharmacist Ubong Evanson, the Chairman of the Medical Outreach Committee, noted that the initiative was driven by the Managing Director’s commitment to humanitarian service.
“The MD of Wessa, Pharmacist Winifred Ogechi, is a good woman that loves people, so she decided to do a free medical outreach for residents at 4 Miles.
He disclosed that the outreach was supported by a robust professional team, including two physicians, three optometrists, four pharmacists, two nurses and six lab scientists.
Speaking for Robin Diagnostics Ltd, a partner organization, Biomedical Scientist Chinedu Ozuzu stated that the expansion was borne out of a desire to provide expertise and curb “quackery” in the medical field.
“Our key motive is to bring good health to any community we enter. We bridge the gap between them and getting a good medical service. We usually have at least quarterly free medical outreach so people can see the dividends of medical practice.” Ozuzu said.
He further explained that the new hub utilizes ultra-modern equipment and AI-driven practices.
Esther Jonathan, the Human Resource Manager for WESSA Pharmacy noted that the high turnout was a positive sign of community acceptance.
“Giving back to the community is nothing new for WESSA and Robin; it is something we’ve been doing over the years,” Jonathan said. “When we come to a community, one thing we look out for first is how we can make the community benefit from our services.”
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed immense relief at receiving free consultations and medications. Gloria John Urum, a resident who visited the facility for hypertension management, said, “I came here this morning and I have seen a doctor. They checked my BP and the doctor prescribed new drugs for me to add to the one I have been using.”
Another beneficiary, Arikpo Ubangha, who received malaria medication and blood tonics, expressed his gratitude: “I heard they were doing free medical outreach. They carried out tests on me and gave me medicines. I thank them very much. God will bless them.”
The organizers confirmed that the 4 Miles branch is now fully operational, offering affordable and sustainable medical care to the Ikot Ansa environment and beyond, with plans to replicate similar outreaches across their other branches before the end of the year.
