Nigerians living in rural communities across the country have been advised to take full advantage of healthcare centres nearer to them to undergo regular checkups and other medical examinations to avoid sudden death and other health complications.
The acting executive secretary of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and primary health care board, Dr Ruqayya Wammak, who advised on free medical outreach in some communities, further encouraged residents to access medical facilities to remain healthy.
The two-day Free medical outreach organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, in collaboration with Al-Tabib Pharmaceuticals and implemented by Nikki Udezue Foundation was held between December 21 and 22, 2024 in Jiwa, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, and Kaida Tsoho in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
The outreach treated common ailments such as malaria, hypertension, and diabetes. Al-Tabib Pharmaceuticals provided a fully equipped laboratory and pharmacy with essential medications to support the program.
During the events, Dr Wammako said the free medical outreach was designed to improve healthcare access for vulnerable groups and added that the program focuses on women, children, and underserved populations in two Area Councils.
She said, „This outreach is a free service provided by the government, organisations, and good Samaritans to reach rural communities. We treat minor ailments and refer serious cases to higher health facilities.“
Dr Wammako added that the program’s success relied on community involvement, including the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups.
She also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare facilities through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which provides resources for infrastructure repairs, supplies, and health worker engagement to address staffing gaps.
She said, „This exercise is medical outreach, which is typically a free service provided either by the government, good Samaritans, organisations, or in collaboration with the government. The main goal is to reach out to people in rural communities—especially vulnerable groups like women and children—and provide them with medical access. We aim to bring medical services directly to their communities.
„This outreach involves treating minor ailments and offering referrals for those with chronic conditions or more serious issues that cannot be handled in the area. In such cases, we refer them to secondary or tertiary facilities, depending on the condition.
„We initiate this process by engaging the community leaders, such as traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, and household heads.
„We inform them about the outreach, obtain their permission, and encourage them to mobilise their community members to take advantage of the free medical services available.
„Yes, there are long-term strategies in place. One such strategy is the Basic Health Care Coalition Fund, a Federal Government initiative implemented through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA.
„In FCT, this fund is managed by the Primary Health Care Board. This initiative aims to support primary healthcare facilities by providing quarterly funds for essential supplies like chairs and tables and repairing broken infrastructure that the government cannot directly provide.
„These funds also help engage more health care personnel, like midwives or nurses, to address the shortage of health workers, as many are leaving for better opportunities abroad or retiring. The aim is not formal employment but rather temporary engagement to enhance the capacity of health facilities.
„I encourage everyone, children, women, youth, boys, girls, people with disabilities, and the elderly to take advantage of this free medical outreach. It is a privilege for these services to come closer to their communities.
„If they require ongoing treatment, they can continue their care at one of our two primary healthcare facilities in Jiwa. These facilities will ensure the continuation of their treatment based on the care they received during the outreach.
„I urge everyone to come out in large numbers to benefit from this initiative.“
In her remarks, Nkiru Udezue, President and Founder of the Nikki Udezue Foundation, underscored the NGO’s role in implementing the initiative alongside Al-Tabib Pharmaceuticals.
Udezue highlighted the importance of partnerships in delivering quality healthcare to underserved areas.
She said, “As a sister organisation, we guide Al-Habib Pharmaceuticals in addressing the unique health needs of communities like Jiwa and Kaida Tsoho.“
“Healthcare is a collective responsibility,” Udezue added. Every Nigerian deserves quality healthcare, and programs like this ensure even vulnerable communities receive world-class treatment.”
She added, „Our role as a grassroots-oriented NGO is to implement this project alongside them, given our familiarity with the Jiwa community and its needs. As a sister organisation, we guide Al-Tabit Pharmaceuticals in delivering quality healthcare.
„This is a general medical outreach, but Al-Tabit Pharmaceuticals is particularly addressing common ailments like malaria, hypertension, and diabetes. Their team has brought a well-equipped laboratory and a complete pharmacy stocked with essential medications for the Jura community. This includes malaria drugs, hypertension treatments, and diabetes medications.
„We are grateful for the government‘s support. Their directives and collaboration with consultants and NGOs are crucial, as the government cannot be everywhere.
„Every Nigerian deserves quality healthcare, and programs like this ensure that even vulnerable communities receive world-class treatment.“
Also, Dr Emeka Udezue, representing Al-Tabib Pharmaceuticals, praised the collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
“Our equipped laboratory and pharmacy ensure residents receive top-tier medical care. We’re grateful for the local Emirate Council’s support, which provided the venue,” Dr. Udezue said.
He also advised the public to prioritise preventive care by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking prompt medical attention.
In his remarks, Dr Udeh Sylvester, Deputy Director and State Coordinator of NPHCDA (North Central Zone), reiterated the importance of strengthening primary healthcare under the “Primary Health Care Under One Roof” initiative.
He acknowledged these centres‘ challenges, such as resource limitations, and emphasised the need for collaborations with NGOs and independent organisations.
Dr Sylvester highlighted recent NPHCDA achievements, including revitalising primary healthcare centres, training over 120,000 health workers nationwide, and consistently supplying essential medicines and equipment.
Residents expressed appreciation for the outreach. A beneficiary, Momunatu Ahmed, shared her experience: “I am thrilled today because of this program. I received treatment for my eyes and medicine for my condition. They also gave us clothes and other items. I am very grateful for what they have done for our community.”
The outreach reflects NPHCDA‘s broader goal of ensuring equitable access to healthcare for underserved communities across Nigeria.
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