Abuja: The Oboli Foundation for Health and Inclusion (TOFHI) has urged the Federal Government to strengthen Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) for early detection of illnesses such as diabetes. The foundation made this appeal during its free diabetes screening and medical outreach conducted in Chibiri Community, Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, which benefited over 300 people.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Sharon Olori, Founder of TOFHI, emphasized that enhancing PHCs would improve access to quality healthcare services in rural areas. The foundation’s intervention was based on preliminary assessments of the community’s health requirements, which revealed prevalent issues like hypertension and ulcer-related ailments. Dr. Olori pointed out that while medications were provided during the outreach, the initiative also focused on health education to help prevent future complications. She stressed the importance of equipping PHCs so that residents could receive necessary care without traveling to distant tertiary hospitals.
Dr. Olori highlighted that the foundation refers individuals needing additional medical attention to the community’s PHC for follow-up care. She called on all levels of government to support non-governmental organizations that offer healthcare services in underserved communities.
Alhaji Ishaku Sakokoy, the Etsu of Chibiri Community, underscored the importance of regular health checks for maintaining good health. He expressed gratitude for the outreach and noted that many communities desired similar medical services but lacked opportunities. Sakokoy also appealed to the government to enhance medical facilities in rural areas to ensure better healthcare accessibility.
Mrs. Mute Olori, a member of the outreach team, stated that a healthy lifestyle does not entirely eliminate the risk of diseases such as diabetes. She mentioned that the outreach aimed to encourage early detection, discourage self-medication, and educate residents on recognizing symptoms of common health conditions. The initiative sought to bring healthcare services closer to communities that are difficult to reach.
Beneficiaries of the outreach, including Mr. Ndaman Dantani and Ms. Scholastica Atongo, shared their experiences. Mr. Dantani discovered his elevated blood sugar level during the screening and committed to following medical advice. Ms. Atongo noted that financial constraints often delayed medical care in rural areas, and she commended the outreach, urging the organizers to sustain the initiative.
The outreach featured free diabetes and basic health screenings, public health education, community health advocacy, women’s wellness services, and free medical consultations.