The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a large-scale free medical outreach in Daura, Katsina State, providing healthcare services to about 2,000 residents as part of its community support programme.
The initiative, which is part of the Service’s 7th Retreat Medical Outreach, offers a wide range of services including general medical consultations, dental care, eye and ear examinations, minor surgical procedures, and free distribution of essential drugs.
Speaking at the flag-off, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ahmad Tijjani-Abe, said the exercise is aimed at improving access to healthcare for vulnerable communities, particularly in areas where medical services are limited or difficult to afford.
He added that the outreach also includes public health interventions such as deworming exercises for schoolchildren, as well as the distribution of mosquito nets and health kits to help prevent common diseases like malaria.
According to him, the programme reflects the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting host communities beyond its core revenue and border security responsibilities.
The Medical Team Leader, Dr. Ethelbert Ikechukwu, explained that the outreach is a nationwide initiative introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs and has been implemented in several locations over the years.
He noted that while the programme provides treatment for a wide range of conditions, patients requiring more advanced medical attention are referred to nearby hospitals for further care.
Dr. Ikechukwu also encouraged residents to take full advantage of the services, assuring that the medical team comprises qualified professionals dedicated to delivering quality healthcare.
Residents who benefited from the exercise expressed appreciation to the Customs Service, describing the intervention as timely and impactful amid rising healthcare costs.
One beneficiary, Musa Ibrahim, said the free consultation and medication had brought relief to many families struggling to afford treatment.
Another resident, Amina Usman, praised the professionalism of the medical team, noting that women and children in particular stood to benefit significantly from the outreach.
The programme highlights ongoing efforts by government agencies to complement public healthcare delivery and improve wellbeing in underserved communities across the country.
