John Diidi
A Port Harcourt based foundation, Regina Gilead Foundation for the Elderly (RGFE), on Wednesday, took the valentines day message of spreading love to the Elderly people of Elekahia community in Port Harcourt with a free medical outreach.
The free medical outreach which comprised of eye tests, dispensing of drugs, and massage to the elderly people, attracted a sizable amount of Elderly people from Elekahia and neighbouring communities.
The founder of the Regina Gilead Foundation for the Elderly (RGFE), Mrs Helen Ebiware, told our correspondent that the program was born out of the need to show love to the Elderly in the state and the country at large.
“We are here in Elekahia community to give free medication and eyes check up to the Elderly ranging from 55-70 years old.
We want to at least, give them medical assistance.
“The impact we want to really make is, let’s not ignore this elderly people we have in our society. They need help, some of them have been abandoned by family, friends, so we’re trying to breach the gap not to make them feel neglected. We are the voice for the Elderly for now, and would want to touch them in every way possible.
On Government’s cooperation towards her foundation, she said: “For government cooperation, nothing yet but we’re hoping that in the near future, the Government would want to do something”.
Doctor Ebiware Epelle, the doctor in charge of the Regina Gilead Foundation for the Elderly (RGFE), described the program as one aimed at showing love to the Elderly people. She also expressed joy at the level of turn up by the locals in the community.
She said: “The attendance is quite encouraging. We are really covering up with a lot of patients. Some persons have gone home with glasses, medications for HBP, sugar level and arthritis”.
Mr Rufus Amaku, responding on behalf of the residents of Elekahia community and other beneficiaries, lauded the idea as needful and one that came at the right time.
“I heard this from the radio, that this people were coming here today. So I have to come and see what they’re doing and what God can do for me through them. It’s very good, just to help the elderlies, those of us that are not buoyant enough to go to the Hospital since they said it was a free program.
“The organizers have shown to have human sympathy, unlike other people who don’t care if we’re healthy or not healthy. So I’m very grateful for what they’re doing, and pray that God will bless them”.
[…] Even if someone says they are OK, they may still need medical help. […]