500 Residents Of Sauka Kahuta Benefit From Free Medical Outreach 

By Oduyemi Odumade

No fewer than 500 residents of Sauka Kahuta village in Lugbe, Abuja, have benefited from a free medical program.

Addressing journalists during the one-day free medical outreach, the organizer of the outreach, Mr. Oni Joseph Kayode, said the event was part of activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day.

The Organiser of the outreach Mr. Oni Joseph Kayode stated that the gesture was borne out of the corporate social responsibility of his organization to address the health and other challenges of the people.

He further called on the Federal Government to take proactive measures to check brain-drain in the health sector.

“Government needs to invite those experts in Diaspora. People that know more about the sector and also to encourage our doctors that are leaving the country too because several people are going because of the poor salary and how they are being treated’.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ada Nwankwo said she received free eye care and glasses.She called on well meaning individuals to emulate the gesture.

“I appreciate this gesture. I never have money to go for eye test but today I have the opportunity to get free eye glasses. Those who are wealthy should help the needy.

Another Beneficiary, Mr Eze Ikechukwu also said he checked his eyes and was given free glasses.

“It’s awesome. I can’t believe I got free glasses. I can read clearly” he said.

The coordinator of the medical team, Ogunniyi Babatunde said about 40 percent of those who participated in the screening were diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, and high blood sugar, adding that these health conditions are increasing because of the lifestyle and the types of food people consume.

He advised the elderly to always eat more vegetables and fruits while children should eat balanced diets as it would help their growth.

“They should try and reduce their sugar intake, most especially carbohydrates. Some of them will even tell you we don’t have any food in Nigeria except carbohydrates but we still tell you that no matter what, do more of protein” he added

The free medical outreach targeted the vulnerable members of the community, particularly women and children, as well as the aged who cannot afford the cost of medical attention.

The outreach also featured health tips from the Nigeria Red Cross Society, road safety tips from the Federal Road Safety Corps and Fun fair for children.

Edited By Grace Namiji