A Consultant Physician at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Prof. Godwin Onyebueke says the increase in diabetes and hypertension cases is due to economic stress caused by hardship in the country.
Onyebueke, Leader Medical Outreach of Prof Benjamin Ozumba, former Vice-chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka, disclosed this in Nsukka on Saturday at Edem-ani Hospital Nsukka, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Ozumba Medical Outreach was one of the activities lined up by Ozumba to mark his retirement from civil service and his 70th birthday on March 21.
The team leader said from their findings in the medical outreach at Enugu and Nsukka, diabetes and hypertension recorded the highest cases and advised people to always go for regular check-ups.
“Some of the patients diagnosed of diabetes and hypertension are not even aware of having the problems. People should always go for regular check-ups to know their health status.
“The increase in diabetes and hypertension may not be unconnected with economic stress caused by hardship in the country as many people now find it difficult to feed their families,” he said.
He commended Ozumba for the outreach which he said had positively impacted the health of rural dwellers.
“I commend Ozumba whose administration in UNN as Vice-chancellor is remarkable and who is using his exit from civil service to attend to the health needs of people free of charge.
“Over 500 people have benefited from this outreach, including those we conducted surgeries free of charge.
“Last Saturday we were at Nkpoffia Obeagu Awkunanaw, Enugu South and today at Edem-ani; we have a team of medical experts in various fields of medicine as well as enough drugs to treat people.
“We will follow up on all patients we conducted surgeries to ensure their quick healing,” he said.
The Chairman, of Prof. Ozumba Valedictory Programme Committee, Prof. Chidi Nzeadibe said the free outreach was part of the week-long activities marking the former VC’s 70th birthday and his signing out from civil service.
“The former VC assembled a team of medical doctors, pharmacists, lab scientists, and nurses among others, to give the people of the area a comprehensive medical touch on their doorstep.
“Last week Saturday, a similar free outreach was carried out at Nkpoffia Obeagu Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, and today Edem-Ani Hospital, Ozumba wants to give back to the society,” he said.
The committee chairman, who is also the Head of, the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, UNN, disclosed that other activities scheduled for the programme include lecture by JAMB boss Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
The Chief of Staff to the traditional ruler of the Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community, John Okanyi expressed appreciation to Ozumba for the medical outreach at Edem-ani.
He described Ozumba as a renowned gynaecologist of international repute and an astute administrator who had touched many lives positively.
“The people of Edem-Ani are happy for this wonderful gesture; Ozumba has demonstrated once again what giving back to the society is all about,” he said.
Some beneficiaries said that the outreach had helped them to treat health challenges they were unable to handle in hospitals due to hardship and because of the money involved.
NAN
