Abuja: Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Abuja Chapter, has carried out a comprehensive free medical outreach in Sauka Community on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, providing critical healthcare services to hundreds of vulnerable residents.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, SWAN, an affiliate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), held the outreach as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative and in the spirit of Valentine, on Saturday in Abuja.
The outreach provided free malaria testing, prostate screening (PSA), breast cancer screening, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, oxygen level tests, eye examinations, and distribution of medicated glasses among others to residents. The Chairperson of SWAN Abuja Chapter, Chinwe Ofili-Ikpeazu, emphasized that the initiative aimed to bridge the healthcare gap for underserved communities, highlighting the urgent needs of Sauka’s aged population and those with numerous ailments.
Ofili-Ikpeazu pointed out the lack of critical infrastructure in Sauka, including a standard health facility and potable water, compounded by poor road conditions and environmental challenges that complicate access to healthcare. She urged the government to pay closer attention to the less privileged and ensure that development extends to the suburbs.
Vice Chairperson of the Abuja Chapter, Dr. Mariam Mohammed, noted that taking healthcare directly to rural communities fosters greater participation, particularly when services are free. She encouraged the government to enhance their efforts in reaching the less privileged to ensure good health across the country.
Flora Ojeme, Chairperson of the Health Committee, highlighted the absence of a primary healthcare centre in Sauka as a major concern. The outreach, she explained, included a fully stocked pharmacy where prescribed medications were dispensed at no cost, in collaboration with three partners.
Olubusayo Faluyi, Sales and Relationship Officer at AccessCare, representing one of the partners, affirmed the alignment of the collaboration with their vision of making healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of location. Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed gratitude to SWAN for the health intervention, describing it as impactful and timely, and urged the government and other Nigerians to assist vulnerable communities.