More than 500 residents of the Panyam community in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, have benefitted from a free medical outreach. The program was held at the LEA Central Primary School, Panyam on Thursday, 12th December, 2024.
The impactful initiative was sponsored and organized by Dr. Daniel Meshak, a distinguished Consultant Family Physician and Public Health Professional, who is also a proud son of the Panyam district.
Driven by his passion for community development and the belief that true value lies in selfless service, Dr. Meshak mobilized a team of experienced medical professionals and volunteers to provide the much-needed healthcare services to vulnerable members of the community. The outreach was particularly targeted at the elderly, women, and children, who often face challenges in accessing medical care.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the initiative, Dr. Meshak emphasized the importance of service to humanity, quoting Wayne Muller: “As we serve others, we work on ourselves; every act of genuine compassion nourishes our hearts. When we serve others with an open heart, we find healing for ourselves.” He added, “Until we rise above our own interests and focus on the needs of others, we struggle to make a meaningful impact on our lives and future generations.”
The outreach witnessed the participation of some prominent personalities, including Chief Dr. Moses Nwan, Executive Private Secretary to the Plateau State Governor, and the traditional council of Panyam District, led by the District Head, Da. Engr. Aminu Derwam. In their remarks, they applauded Dr. Meshak’s generosity and vision in organizing the outreach, acknowledging the significant health benefits it brought to the community.
Beneficiaries of the program expressed immense gratitude for the initiative. Mr. Pede Filibus Santana, one of the beneficiaries, said he learned about the outreach through a family member and decided to attend with his wife. “This initiative gave us the opportunity to check our health status, which we wouldn’t have accessed easily. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Meshak and his team for this life-changing opportunity,” he remarked.
Similarly, Mrs. Persis Samuel from Larkas Village recounted how she heard about the program during a church announcement. “I had my eyes screened and received a free pair of eyeglasses. This outreach has been a blessing to me and many others. May God bless the organizers for their kindness,” she said.
The outreach provided a variety of free medical services, including eye examinations and the distribution of eyeglasses, vital signs monitoring (such as blood pressure checks), X-rays, and consultations with medical doctors. Medications were also dispensed at no cost, and screenings were conducted to identify candidates for surgeries scheduled for the coming year.
In total, more than 500 patients were attended to during the program, highlighting the significant impact of the initiative. Through this act of selflessness, Dr. Meshak and his team have not only improved the health and well-being of the Panyam community but also inspired others to prioritize service to humanity.
The people of Panyam continue to celebrate this noble gesture, offering prayers and blessings for Dr. Meshak and the medical team for their dedication to bringing healthcare closer to the community.
