Date: 27th – 29th December, 2025
Venue: Cottage Hospital Dyerok

1. INTRODUCTION
The Mhiship Community Youth Development National Body successfully organized a three-day Free Medical Outreach from 27th to 29th December, 2025 as part of its commitment to improving healthcare access, promoting preventive medicine, and enhancing the overall well-being of the Mhiship community and neighboring settlements.
The outreach was designed to address the growing health challenges faced by underserved populations, particularly those with limited access to quality healthcare services due to financial constraints, distance from health facilities, or lack of awareness. This initiative aligns with the youth body’s vision of community development through health, education, and social empowerment.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE MEDICAL OUTREACH
The major objectives of the outreach included:
-To provide free medical consultations and treatments to community members.
-To conduct screening and diagnostic tests for common communicable and non-communicable diseases.
-To offer minor surgical interventions where necessary.
-To address eye health challenges through screening, treatment, and provision of medicated glasses.
-To create awareness on disease prevention, early detection, and healthy living.
-To refer patients with complicated conditions to higher medical facilities for advanced care.

3. PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION
The outreach was carefully planned and executed by the Mhiship Community Youth Development National Body in collaboration with qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, ophthalmologists, and trained volunteers.
Adequate arrangements were made for:
Patient registration and record keeping,
Consultation units
Laboratory and diagnostic testing,
Minor surgical procedures,
Eye screening and optical services,
Drug dispensing and counseling as well as
Referral services.
Community mobilization was carried out prior to the event through announcements, community leaders, religious institutions, and word of mouth, which significantly contributed to the high turnout.

4. FUNDING Organizations, groups and spirited individuals were contacted for their support and collaboration. There was crowd funding on different social media platforms. At the end of the day, the sum of three million and seventy-three thousand Naira (3,073,000 NGN) was realized in cash, while two million, nine hundred and twenty-eight thousand, eight hundred Naira (2,928,800 NGN) was in kind (basically drugs, medical equipment and consumables).

5. ATTENDANCE AND BENEFICIARIES*
Over the course of the three days, a total of 1,450 people were attended to. Beneficiaries included men, women, children, and elderly persons from Mhiship community and its environs. The high turnout clearly demonstrated the urgent need for accessible healthcare services within the community.

6. MEDICAL SERVICES RENDERED

6.1 General Medical Consultation
All registered patients underwent general medical consultation where their health complaints were assessed. Common conditions identified included malaria, typhoid fever, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, hypertension, diabetes, skin infections, and musculoskeletal pains.
Appropriate treatments, counseling, and medications were provided free of charge.

6.2 Minor Surgical Procedures
A total of 28 patients underwent minor surgical operations during the outreach. These procedures were safely conducted by qualified medical personnel under sterile conditions.
Examples of minor surgeries performed included:
-Excision of minor lumps
-Wound debridement and suturing
-Incision and drainage of abscesses
-Removal of minor growths and cysts.
All operated patients were properly monitored post-procedure and given follow-up advice and medications.

6.3 Eye Screening and Eye Care Services
Eye care services formed a major component of the outreach.
-272 individuals were screened for various eye problems such as cataract, refractive errors, conjunctivitis, and other visual impairments.
-Out of those screened, 40 patients were successfully operated upon for eye-related conditions, particularly minor and correctable eye issues.
-130 persons received medicated glasses and eye medications to correct vision problems and manage eye conditions.
-10 individuals with complicated eye conditions were referred to specialized eye care centers for advanced treatment and surgical intervention.
The eye care unit significantly improved the quality of life of many beneficiaries, especially elderly persons and students with poor vision.

6.4 Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
A total of 470 individuals benefited from various medical laboratory tests, which helped in early diagnosis and proper treatment.
Tests conducted included:
-HIV screening
-Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) test
-Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) test
-Malaria parasite test and
Other relevant basic investigations as required. Pre-test and post-test counseling were provided, particularly for HIV and hepatitis screenings, in line with medical ethics and confidentiality standards.

7. DRUG DISPENSING AND HEALTH EDUCATION
Following consultation and diagnosis, prescribed medications were dispensed free of charge by licensed pharmacists. Patients were counseled on:
-Proper drug usage
-Dosage and side effects
-Importance of completing prescribed medications.
Health education sessions were also conducted, focusing on:
-Personal hygiene
-Prevention of malaria and typhoid
-Importance of regular medical check-ups
-Safe sexual practices
-Nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits

8. REFERRALS
Some cases required advanced medical attention beyond the scope of the outreach. A total of 10 patients were referred to higher healthcare facilities due to complicated eye conditions. Referral notes were issued, and patients were guided on where and how to access further care.

9. IMPACT OF THE OUTREACH
The outreach had a significant positive impact on the community by:
-Reducing the burden of untreated illnesses
-Improving access to quality healthcare services
-Detecting health conditions early
-Enhancing eye health and vision for many beneficiaries
-Raising health awareness and encouraging preventive care
-Strengthening trust between the community and healthcare providers

10. CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED
Despite the success of the outreach, some challenges were observed:
-High patient turnout leading to long waiting times
-Limited resources to meet all medical needs
-Need for more specialized equipment and personnel
-Some referred patients faced transportation and financial constraints.
11. RECOMMENDATION
The outreach should be made an annual or biannual program.
Increased funding and partnerships should be sought to expand services.
More specialists and equipment should be included in future outreaches.
Follow-up mechanisms should be established for operated and referred patients.

12. CONCLUSION
The Free Medical Outreach organized by the Mhiship Community Youth Development National Body from 27th to 29th December 2025 was a resounding success. With 1,450 people attended to, 28 minor surgeries performed, 272 eye screenings, 40 eye surgeries, 130 medicated glasses dispensed, 470 laboratory tests conducted, surplus drugs and test kits distributed to 9 PHCs in the three Wards (Chip Central, Longbam, Kangmun) as well as Cottage Hospital Dyerok. The program clearly demonstrates the importance of youth-led health interventions.
The initiative stands as a strong testament to the commitment, leadership, and dedication of the Mhiship Community Youth Development National Body toward community health and sustainable development.

Prepared by the Planning Committee for the 2025 MCYD National Body Free Medical Outreach in Chip.
Date: January 2026

Author: MCCDA