Lagos, Nigeria — The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has strengthened access to primary healthcare in Lagos through a free medical outreach targeting underserved residents, as part of its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD).
The outreach, the second held in 2026, took place at the palace of the Oniru of Iruland in Victoria Island, Eti-Osa I Constituency, drawing community members who benefited from a range of free health services.
With the theme, “Empowering Communities through Sustainable Healthcare Awareness,” the initiative provided medical consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, oral health education, and other preventive healthcare services.
The programme was implemented in partnership with Divine Dental Home, Medplus, SpaceTrade, and Cedacare Pharmacy, reinforcing multi-sector collaboration in improving grassroots healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, said the HIRD programme underscores the scheme’s commitment to delivering accessible and quality healthcare services to underserved populations.
She urged residents to prioritise their health through regular medical checkups and preventive practices, noting that increased awareness could significantly reduce the burden of preventable diseases.
“Good health is essential for productivity and overall wellbeing. We encourage communities to take advantage of initiatives like this to safeguard their health,” she said.
During an oral health sensitisation session, Mr Samuel Olorunfemi of Divine Dental Home educated participants on proper dental hygiene, warning against harmful practices such as brushing with hard materials, which can damage gums and teeth.
Also speaking, Dr Ajala Ayooluwa, President of the Medical and Health Community Development Service in Eti-Osa I Constituency, emphasised the importance of hand hygiene and early medical consultation.
“Preventive healthcare remains the safest and most affordable protection against many avoidable illnesses,” he said.
In his remarks, the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, commended the NYSC for what he described as an impactful intervention that brings essential healthcare services directly to the people.
He praised the corps members’ dedication to humanitarian service and expressed appreciation to sponsors and partners for supporting the initiative.
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The outreach also featured fitness activities, including aerobics sessions, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among participants.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a similar outreach was conducted earlier in the year in the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, as NYSC continues to expand its healthcare interventions across Lagos State.
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