By Ibironke Ariyo
The Lead Coordinator, PBAT Medic Plus Outreach, Mr Matthew Avabee, says the initiative will provide free medical services in 100 federal constituencies across Nigeria.
He said that this would complement the Federal Government’s healthcare interventions at the grassroots.
Avabee stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of Sen. Domingo Obende as the Grand Patron of the outreach.
Members of PBAT Medic Plus Outreach with the Sen. Domingo Obende
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PBAT Medic Plus Outreach is being implemented in collaboration with global partners and key presidential support structures to improve access to quality healthcare in underserved communities while promoting grassroots engagement.
Avabee said the initiative was conceived by young Nigerians committed to improving access to healthcare in underserved communities while supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He described the programme as a strategic platform that combined healthcare delivery with coordinated grassroots mobilisation.
He added that it would enhance nationwide mobilisation and foster stronger collaboration among presidential support groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The President has placed healthcare among the key priorities of his administration through reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery nationwide.
“Thousands of primary healthcare centres across the country had benefited from ongoing government interventions, including programmes supported by development partners.
“The outreach will commence next month with medical missions across 100 federal constituencies represented by APC members of the House of Representatives.
“The programme will complement existing government efforts by taking free healthcare services directly to people at the grassroots.
“Our objective is to reach communities that have limited access to healthcare services while also creating awareness of the achievements of the Federal Government in the health sector,” he said.
Avabee said the outreach would offer free medical consultations, diagnosis and treatment, as well as distribute essential drugs and medical supplies.
He said that the outreach would also provide health education and preventive care awareness, and support vulnerable persons through the 2603 Food Box Initiative.
He added that the programme would also strengthen collaboration among various presidential support groups, including the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, City Boy Movement, Tinubu Support Group (TSG) and other stakeholders.
“The initiative seeks to bridge healthcare gaps, improve community health outcomes, deepen grassroots engagement and strengthen public confidence in government programmes.
“The vision of the outreach is to build a healthier and more empowered grassroots population that will benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda through people-oriented healthcare interventions,” he said.
Speaking on the choice of Obende as Grand Patron, Avabee described the former member of Senate as an accomplished statesman with a track record of service to the nation.
He said Obende, who represented Edo North Senatorial District in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, distinguished himself through quality legislative contributions and impactful motions.
“Sen. Domingo Obende is a great Nigerian who has contributed immensely to national development. Though he keeps a low public profile, his achievements speak for themselves.
“We believe his experience, goodwill, network and counsel will provide the leadership and guidance required for this initiative to achieve its objectives,” he said.
Avabee expressed confidence that Obende’s support would strengthen the implementation of the outreach as it prepared to commence nationwide operations.
Speaking, the Head of Administration and Welfare of the outreach, Ms Linda Ochigbo, said the organisation was committed to delivering impactful healthcare services to underserved Nigerians rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
Ochigbo said the group would prioritise pregnant women requiring medical attention, children suffering from preventable illnesses such as malaria, and other vulnerable persons unable to afford basic healthcare services, including eye care.
“PBAT Medics is not like every other political support group. We are committed to supporting the initiatives of President Bola Tinubu through medical services at the grassroots.
“We are not interested in always being in front of the cameras. We are more concerned about making an impact, touching lives and reaching people who genuinely need healthcare,” she said.
In his remarks, Obende commended the initiative’s plan to combine free medical outreach with community engagement, describing it as a practical way of bringing government closer to the people.
Obende pledged his support for the initiative in his capacity as Grand Patron and expressed confidence that its activities would contribute to improved community welfare and greater public awareness of government programmes.
He urged the PBAT Medic Plus Outreach to extend its grassroots mobilisation and humanitarian activities to all the 774 local government areas of the country to deepen public engagement on government programmes.
The former lawmaker encouraged members of the group not to relent in their efforts, saying their activities would positively impact communities and address many of the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
“Nigerians want to see tangible evidence of what government is doing, making it important for organisations supporting government programmes to engage directly with the people.
“As a body, you are in the best position to reach out to the people and speak about the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Obende urged the organisation to ensure that its programmes reached every part of the country, particularly rural communities where many young people reside.
Administrative members of the outreach include Dr Hope Abraham, Director of Planning & Medical Outreaches; Monday Lawani, Co-Lead/Director of Strategy and Evaluation; Pharm. Sadiku Ayomiotan, Director of Drugs and Supplies; and Okpara Gabriel, Head of Logistics.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz