REFUGEE COMMISSION, DEPOWA DISTRIBUTE WHEELCHAIRS TO WOUNDED MILITARY PERSONNEL, DONATES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO 44 ARMY REFERENCE HOSPITAL.

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrant and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) have jointly contributed 30 wheelchairs to military personnel wounded in action who are currently receiving medical treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna (NARHK).

Both parties also donated other medical equipment to the Reference Hospital, including 4-in-1 integrated designed beneheart D3 defibrillator/monitor for fast resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients and interlocking nail set for fixing of fractured bones, among other hospital consumables for rehabilitation such as gloves, cotton wool, spirit etc.

The donation is part of the ongoing NCFRMI/DEPOWA emergency intervention programme tagged “Zero Hunger Project.”

In her remarks during the handing over ceremony, the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Hajiya Imaan Ibrahim, reiterated that the Zero Hunger project was born out of the necessity to streamline and enhance availability and distribution of food and non-food items to address the immediate nutritional needs of all persons of concern using food care packs.

The Commissioner said the humanitarian crisis and insecurity has put a lot of burden on the Armed Forces and security agencies in ensuring that peace and stability is maintained nationwide.

Hajiya Ibrahim pointed out that the nation acknowledges the efforts and sacrifice of every wounded personnel, noting that the sense of patriotism of these brave personnel represent the best of Nigeria.

She maintained that NCFRMI will sustain it’s partnership arrangement with DEPOWA towards supporting the wounded personnel in action as well as families of fallen heroes.

The DEPOWA President, Barr (Mrs) Vickie Irabor, said the relative peace which have been recorded in the fight against terrorism and armed groups came with a cost, including loss of lives, sanity, good health and wellbeing to the men and women of the Armed Forces.

According to the DEPOWA President, the gesture was in appreciation as well as support for the wounded personnel who have willingly put their lives down for the nation.

She disclosed that the 10 wheelchairs have a dual usage function both electrical and manual for easy mobility by our brave and courageous service men who were severely injured in the line of action.

In her words, “we have come on this special day that Nigeria marks her Independence to let you know that the injuries sustained in combat speaks to the nation of their sacrifice.”

Mrs Irabor implored the wounded personnel to continue to keep a positive outlook for the future, assuring that DEPOWA is proud of them and will continue to stand by them.

The acting Commander, 44 NARHK, Colonel Ndidi Onuchuckwu, expressed delight to NCFRMI and DEPOWA for the medical intervention which he said will assist the hospital in achieving its core mandate for providing optimal healthcare service delivery for personnel and their families as well as the civilian populace.

According to Col Onchukwu, 44 NARHK under his command has placed emphasis on professionalism in the areas of healthcare and allied workers service delivery and effort which he said is aimed at ensuring that the wounded in action personnel are given best medical care.

The commander further disclosed that the hospital has a 600-bed space and a Base Hospital for Operation HADIN KAI and other military operations across the country.

The occasion was attended by the National President, Navy Officers’ Wives Association, Hajiya Nana Aisha Gambo and the National President, Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Elizabeth Amao as well as NCFRMI Staff.