The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (ARD-UATH) has called on Nigerians to pay greater attention to their health and embrace preventive measures to reduce the risk of illness.
The President of ARD-UATH, Dr. Adewale-Adeleye Premiere, made the appeal during a medical outreach for police officers at Mopol 44 Barracks, Kuje, Abuja, and their families.
Premiere explained that the outreach formed part of the association’s annual events commemorating its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference.
He noted that the 2025 edition was organised in collaboration with the Police Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) Limited to ease out-of-pocket healthcare costs for police personnel.
According to him, the initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
Premiere emphasised that many deaths from non-communicable diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure, could be prevented if individuals prioritised their health.
“Health is no longer wealth; wealth depends on health. Without good health, access to quality care becomes challenging,” he said.
“The best strategy is to prevent illness whenever possible.
“Our healthcare system faces challenges, including the ‘japa syndrome’ where many doctors leave the country. This shortage limits access to quality care, making prevention more crucial than ever.”
The ARD-UATH president disclosed that the outreach benefited about 171 households, reaching roughly 300 individuals.
Services provided included blood pressure and blood sugar checks, hepatitis B screening, malaria tests, HIV testing, tuberculosis screening, eye examinations with free glasses, consultations, counselling, and treatment.
Dr. Ogunfowokan Oluwasegun, a resident doctor in the Department of Family Medicine and ARD-UATH’s Public Relations Officer, said the initiative reflects the association’s commitment to giving back to society.
He highlighted that the Police HMO was the primary sponsor of the medical outreach, which also aimed to educate police officers and their families about health insurance, its benefits, and access procedures.
Oluwasegun advised Nigerians, particularly during the festive season, to avoid habits and substances that could harm their health.
Dr. Ruqayyah Kolawole, Chairperson of the Outreach Committee, said several activities are planned for the association’s 2025 AGM and Scientific Conference, with the medical outreach being a key component.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would have a positive impact on the lives of police officers and their families and noted that it coincided with the birthday of the association’s president, who had performed commendably during the 2025 administrative year.
Mr. Yakubu Enape, Head of Human Resources at the Police HMO, said the partnership with ARD-UATH aims to raise awareness on the importance of healthcare and health insurance, contributing to the acceleration of Nigeria’s UHC objectives.
He called on other organizations to support similar initiatives, adding, “Our mission is to educate families about the benefits of health insurance and reduce direct healthcare expenses, so that more Nigerians can access care efficiently.”