Group Offers Free Medical Treatment To 180 In Rivers

A religious group in Rivers State known as Young Men In Mission International, has rendered free medical services to over 150 members of St Mathew’s (Anglican) Church Nkpogwu Deanery, Niger Delta Diocese of the Anglican Communion in the state services.

Leader of the group, Anayo Okoronkwo told The Tide that though the turn out for the programme was impressive, which according to him was acceptability, he regretted that it has exposed the fact that the church has failed in one of its essential responsibilities.

According to him, the crowd registered during the programme was strong indication that the Church should go beyond preaching adding, there are really indigent people who can’t afford to go to hospital and we must recognise this tact,” he added.

He further explained that the primary duty of a church,  was to care for the  “total man”, preach the word, care for the sick, feed the hungry and deliver the oppressed., adding that until these things were done, the church should be considered to have failed. He said that the church needs to move away from preaching prosperity and sow seed in the lives of people and not ask the people to sow seeds all the time.”

The co-ordinator of the free medicare outreach, Lucky Gogo said that this approach to reach out to the needs of the less privileged in the church would give them a sense of belonging and help them accept the word of God more.

He admonished the church that it should use what it has to affect others positively, while also calling on other churches to key into this initiative as there was a great benefit in the programme.

On his part, a volunteer medical doctor at the out reach, Okey Ibeabuchi, a consultant in family medicine applauded the initiative, saying it would help reduce disease burden among members of the congregation and bring enlightenment to the people.

He stated that it was important for people to know their health challenges and “make themselves available for medical diagnosis as a step towards solving any medical problem.”

Christy Oha, one of the beneficiaries also thanked the  organisers of the medical outreach programme and requested that the exercise should be a regular programme in the Churches in the country.

Tonye Nria-Dappa