Group To Spend N300,000 On Free Medical

A religious group, Youngmen In Missions International in collaboration with Hospital Visitation Unit, both of St. Matthew’s (Anglican) Church (SMAC), Nkpogwu Deanery, Diocese of the Niger Delta North, Church of Nigeria is set to render free medical service worth N300,000 to the public, particularly to indigent members of  its congregation.

Rector of SMAC, Ven. Isaac Tejeobo in a chat with The Tide in his office, said it was time for the church to begin to take a look at the physical health of its members and not just their spiritual health.

He said, “one thing that is happening now in Christian churches is that we’re beginning to understand that we need to pay more attention to our physical condition than we had done before”.

He further said, “there is focus now on the totality of man’s experience, physically and spiritually. We want to focus now on health situation, how to be healthy, live longer and fulfil God’s mandate concerning our lifes.”

Throwing more light on the free medical outreach, the leader, Youngmen In Missions International, Mr Anayo Okoronkwo, said the programme was borne out of the need to reach out to the indigent members of the church.

Okoronkwo explained, that, “Youngman In Mission, decided to fund it to create an opportunity for those brethren who can not afford medical checks and do minimal treatment where diagnosis and medicines for minor ailments would be given free”, pointing out that the outreach has been on for four years.

He said the programme which has the theme, “Safety is of the Lord’s” is expected to run from 7th to 9th, July saying, “we would have an opportunity to teach on primary healthcare, looking after yourself and to handle all the cases spiritually as well”.

He also said cases beyond the scope of the outreach which would cost over N300,000.00 would be given referrals, noting that the church would be willing to assist in the payment of the bills if they were informed.

Tonye Nria-Dappa