By Dakwam Sarnandi Tangkwat and Yilji Nankling Musa
The Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Students Association (NIMELSSA), Plateau State University (PLASU), has organized a free medical outreach in Butura, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, as part of efforts to improve health awareness and access to basic healthcare services among students and residents.
The outreach, held at COCIN LCC B.VET, Butura, on April 22nd 2026, provided free medical screenings and basic diagnostic services to participants between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Organizers said the initiative was designed to address common but often neglected health conditions within the community, particularly among students who rarely undergo routine medical checks.
President of the association, Nenmasha Anthony, said the outreach focused on sensitization, early detection, and health education.
“The aim is mainly for sensitization and also to diagnose certain cases that are prevalent in this community, like infections and diabetes,” he said.
During the exercise, participants received free blood pressure checks, urinalysis, diabetes screening, and other basic laboratory tests aimed at detecting underlying health conditions before complications arise.
General-Secretary of the Association, Yilmiwe Munkike, emphasized that all the services rendered during the outreach were provided at no cost.
“The tests were completely free. Everybody was allowed to run the tests,” he added.
Beyond offering healthcare services, the outreach also served as a practical learning platform for medical laboratory science students of PLASU, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-life medical situations.
According to the association’s leadership, the initiative forms part of the department’s longstanding commitment to community service and professional development.
“It is a way of giving back to the community that trained us,” Anthony added.
Students participating in the outreach were seen conducting diagnostic tests, handling samples, and assisting beneficiaries under professional supervision.
To ensure safety and adherence to professional standards, organizers said all participating students used personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and laboratory coats, while sanitizers and other protective materials were made available throughout the exercise.
The outreach was supervised by Scientist B.T. Williams, a lecturer and student adviser, who monitored the activities to ensure compliance with standard medical laboratory practices.
Beneficiaries of the program expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the free services helped them access healthcare they would otherwise struggle to afford.
Fred Biplang described the community’s reaction as overwhelmingly positive.
“They expressed heartfelt joy because the services were free. They were able to check their blood pressure and do urinalysis,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Joy Sunday, a 300-level student of Plateau State University, said the outreach came at a critical time for her.
“I’m so happy because of this great opportunity. It really helped me because I’ve been trying to run some tests, especially for infections. Tests in hospitals are over ₦2,000 or ₦3,000, which I don’t have,” she said.
She added that the screening helped her identify a health issue and receive recommendations for treatment.
“I really thank them, and I hope we will have more of this in the future,” she added.
Officials of the association said plans are underway to expand future outreach programs through collaborations with other health-related departments within the institution.
Vice President of the association, Rinret Tireng Thomas, said the group is committed to improving future interventions.
“We are planning to do more and to do better by collaborating with other departments to provide better healthcare,” she said.
The outreach highlights the growing role of student-led initiatives in bridging healthcare gaps, promoting preventive healthcare, and equipping future health professionals with practical experience beyond the classroom.
Dakwam Sarnandi Tangkwat and Yilji Nankling Musa are 300Level Students of Mass Communication Department from Plateau State University, Bokkos.
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