By Kelvin Obambon
Residents of 4 Miles in Ikot Ansa, Calabar, were the beneficiaries of a massive humanitarian effort as WESSA Pharmacy and Robin Diagnostics officially launched their newest health hub with an expansive free medical outreach.
The event which took place on Saturday April 18, 2026, provided an opportunity for 505 community members to access professional healthcare services, marking the grand opening of a facility that integrates a pharmacy, a diagnostic laboratory, and an eye care centre.
Speaking at the event, Pharmacist Ubong Evanson, the Chairman of the Medical Outreach Committee and pharmacist at the 8 Miles branch, noted that the initiative was driven by the Managing Director’s commitment to humanitarian service.
“My MD, Pharmacist Winifred Ogechi, is a good woman who loves people, so she decided to do a free medical outreach for residents at 4 Miles. We are doing free BP check, fasting blood sugar test, and Hepatitis B and C screening. The highlight is that we are giving out free drugs and medicated glasses, with the first 50 persons receiving medicated reading glasses,” Evanson stated.
He disclosed that the outreach was supported by a robust professional team, including two physicians, three optometrists, four pharmacists, and six lab scientists.
Representing Robin Diagnostics Ltd, a partner laboratory with a 13-year track record, Biomedical Scientist Chinedu Ozuzu stated that the expansion was born out of a desire to provide expertise and curb “quackery” in the medical field.
“Our key motive is to bring good health to any community we enter. We bridge the gap between them and getting a good medical service,” Ozuzu said. He further explained that the new hub utilises ultra-modern equipment and AI-driven practices. “This is just an outreach. We usually have at least a quarterly free medical outreach so people can see the dividends of medical practice.”
The outreach also received significant support from Holistique Public Health Care, an international NGO. Ebube Bruno, the Programme Administrator, highlighted the importance of bringing healthcare to vulnerable communities.
“For us, it is a thing of joy to see people that normally, if left to their fate, would not be able to afford the financial wherewithal to see an eye doctor or a general physician,” Bruno stated. He confirmed that 505 people benefited from the free medical outreach.
Esther Jonathan, the Human Resource Manager for WESSA Pharmacy noted that the high turnout was a positive sign of community acceptance.
“Giving back to the community is nothing new for WESSA and Robin; it is something we’ve been doing over the years,” Jonathan said. “When we come to a community, one thing we look out for first is how we can make the community benefit from our services.”
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed immense relief at receiving free consultations and medications. Gloria John Urum, a resident who visited the facility for hypertension management, said, “I came here this morning and I have seen a doctor. They checked my BP and the doctor prescribed new drugs for me to add to the one I have been using.”
Another beneficiary, Arikpo Ubangha, who received malaria medication and blood tonics, expressed his gratitude: “I heard they were doing free medical outreach. They carried out tests on me and gave me medicines. I thank them very much. God will bless them.”
The organisers confirmed that the 4 Miles branch is now fully operational, offering affordable and sustainable medical care to the Ikot Ansa environment and beyond, with plans to replicate similar outreaches across their other branches before the end of the year.
