ABUJA RESIDENT DOCTORS URGE NIGERIANS TP PRIORITISE PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE
The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital has called on Nigerians to be more conscious of their health and adopt preventive measures to avoid falling sick.
President of ARD-UATH, Adewale-Adeleye Premiere, made the call during a medical outreach organised for police officers at Mopol 44 Barracks, Kuje, Abuja, and their families.
He said the outreach was part of the association’s annual activities to commemorate its Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, explaining that the 2025 edition was organised in partnership with the Police Health Maintenance Organisation Limited to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending among police officers.
The initiative, he added, is also ARD-UATH’s contribution towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, which Nigeria aims to attain by 2030.
Premiere noted that many deaths from non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure are preventable if individuals prioritise their health.
“Health is no longer wealth; what we now have is that wealth is health. If you do not have money, you may not be able to access quality healthcare.
“The best thing you can do is not to fall sick. Prevent sickness in whatever way you can,” he said.
He highlighted the impact of doctor shortages in Nigeria, saying, “Our health sector is battling with the ‘japa syndrome’, where many doctors have left the country. You may go to the hospital and not meet the manpower you need.
“This shortage is affecting access to quality healthcare, which is why prevention is now more important than ever.”
Premiere disclosed that the doctors attended to 171 households, benefiting about 300 individuals. Services provided included blood pressure and blood sugar checks, hepatitis B screening, malaria parasite tests, HIV testing, tuberculosis screening, eye screening with distribution of glasses, free consultations, counselling, and treatment.
