... as medical experts harp on early diagnosis, treatment of ailments to promote healthy life
By Prisca Nguzo
Medical experts have urged Nigerians to prioritize knowing their health status in order enhance healthy life and reduce mortality prevalence in the country.
Dr. Chika Ogwudire, of the University Teaching Hospital, Owerri and Past Assistant Governor of Rotary Club of Nigeria, District 9142, made the call while speaking to newsmen at the 2024 Rotary Family Health Days and Action Group free medical care mission at Amakohia Market, Owerri, weekend.
She stressed that many deaths in the country resulted from complications of ailments which the sufferers were unaware of; adding that, "this high rate of death could be reduced through early diagnosis and treatment of the ailments."
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The medical expert disclosed that over 5, 000 persons including inmates of Nigeria Correctional Service, Owerri, traders and passers-by at Amakohia Market, Owerri benefited from the medical exercise which is designed to deepen sensitization on health promotion and disease prevention in both Imo and Nigeria at large.
She said, "we are here to offer polio immunisation, test HIV status, screen hepatitis, tuberculosis, diabetes and glucose level, cervical, breast and prostrate cancer; and to render other forms of medicare services to the people especially the traders in our public markets just as we did at the Nigeria Correctional Service, Owerri, yesterday.
"We are also here to distribute sanitary pads, condoms, insecticides treated mosquito nets, and drugs among other items that help to promote health, control disease and reduce mortality."
"Here, we discovered that some of the people we have attended to are just realizing that they are diabetic and hypetensive. Honestly, some of them are just knowing their health status now.
"This is the case with many Nigerians and many have died from the complications of ailments they were unaware of. Hence, we have taken this responsibility of constantly urging for early diagnosis and and treatment of ailments which help to improve quality of life and reduce mortality rate in the country." she added.
Also, Rrt. John Clifford, Assistant Governor of District 9142 and Dr. Sabatine Okwu, 2023 Chairman, Polio Plus Vaccination Programme, District 9142 equally advised against patronising uncertified medical professionals during treatment of ailments.
According to them, people should visit hospital and other certified medical facilities, meet qualified professionals for diagnosis and treatment of ailments.
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And on the choice of market for the health exercise, Mr. Clifford said, "we are aware that most traders including these market women only focus on their businesses and do not make out time to know their health status.
This informed our decision of coming to the market to help them out in knowing their health status because we strongly believe in early diagnosis and treatment of ailments. So far, the results we are getting from this year's programme is very encouraging and we continually improve on our efforts and successes."
"We dream is to see a healthy Nigeria where citizens pay adequate attention to their health as well as enjoy healthy living by having easy access to medical care services free of charge which is what we are doing today." Dr. Okwu added.
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