Health
THE Oboli Foundation for Health and Inclusion (TOFHI) has urged the Federal Government to strengthen Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) for early detection of sicknesses such as diabetes.
The foundation made the call on Saturday during its free diabetes screening and medical outreach in Chibiri Community, Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory for over 300 people.
Dr Sharon Olori, Founder of TOFHI, said strengthening PHCs would improve access to quality healthcare in rural communities.
Olori said the intervention was informed by findings from a preliminary assessment of the community’s health needs.
She further said that the foundation discovered that many people were battling hypertension, ulcer-related ailments and other health challenges.
“We started in 2024 with communities around Abuja and Port Harcourt, and now we have come to Kuje.
“We have medications available to help relieve some of these conditions, but we’re not just giving medications because we know it doesn’t stop here.
“We’re also doing health education so that people know what they can do to prevent future complications.
“I would also want the government to equip the Primary Healthcare Centres so that people can access quality healthcare close to where they live.
“Many of them cannot easily travel to tertiary hospitals, but if these health centres are functional, they can receive the care they need,” she said.
According to her, the group refer residents that require further medical attention to the community’s Primary Healthcare Centre for follow-up care.
She urged government at all levels to support non-governmental organisations providing healthcare services in underserved communities.
Also speaking, the Etsu of Chibiri Community, Alhaji Ishaku Sakokoy, described regular health checks as essential for healthy living.
“Whatever you are doing, if you are not physically fit, you won’t achieve much.
“We appreciate this gesture because many communities desire this kind of medical outreach but have not had the opportunity,” he said.
Sakokoy also appealed to government to improve medical facilities in rural communities to make healthcare more accessible.
Mrs Mute Olori, a member of the outreach team, said maintaining a healthy and disciplined lifestyle did not eliminate the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes.
She said the outreach aimed to encourage early detection, discourage self-medication and educate residents on recognising symptoms of common health conditions.
“We’re trying to sensitise people to go for regular medical checks, take even a minor headache seriously and avoid self-medication.
“We also want people to understand that certain symptoms could point to underlying health conditions,” she said.
According to her, there are communities that cannot easily be reached, so we want to bridge that gap and this is bringing the hospital to the community,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Ndaman Dantani, said the medical screening revealed that his blood sugar level was high.
He said he had been placed on medication and would adhere strictly to the medical advice given by the healthcare professionals.
Another beneficiary, Ms Scholastica Atongo, said many people in rural communities delayed seeking medical care because of financial constraints.
She described the outreach as commendable and appealed to the organisers to sustain the initiative.
“I think it’s good for them to also follow up on those who need treatment or refer them to where they can receive proper medical care,” she said.
The outreach featured free diabetes and basic health screening, public health education, community health advocacy, women’s wellness services and free medical consultations.(NAN)
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Tags: Oboli Foundation Strengthen PHCs