Residents of Mainland Local Government in Lagos State on Monday commended the state government for providing free screening for hypertension, diabetes, cancer of the breast, cervical and prostate.
The residents spoke at the flag off of the “Wellness Week Awareness and Screening Programme’’, which would last for five days.
The wellness programme held at the Community Health Centre, Simpson Street Ebute-Meta, had an impressive turnout of residents of the local government as early as 9am.
The residents described the programme as well-conceived, adding that it would impact positively on their lives.
“The programme will help in preserving many lives,’’ Chief Kadiri Bello, a beneficiary and the Coordinator of the programme in the local government, said.
He implored the government to sustain the programme because many people will want to be part of it.
“This programme helps us to understand our health status and I am happy to be part of it.
“ This was what spurred me to provide light refreshments to the officials,’’ Bello said.
Another beneficiary, Miss Deborah Okunlola, a student of the Lagos State Polytechnic, said she had been looking forward to the programme since it was announced.
“I will first say thank you to the government for coming up with this programme. I will also advise that they should extend the duration of the programme.
“This would give more people the opportunity to benefit from the programme.
“I had tests on blood level and sugar level, which were certified good,’’ she said.
A 28-year-old nursing mother, Mrs Agnes Owolabi said, “I believe people will appreciate this programme more because it is free and many will want to know their blood and sugar levels’’.
“Many have been ignorant of things like this and many who came here would have known the essence of visiting health professionals, instead of patronising quacks.
“I just thank God for a programme like this; even drugs were given free.
“I pray many people will come out to benefit from the programme,’’ she said.
Another resident of the local government, Mrs Ayomide Onabanjo, also commended the initiative.
“Considering the poverty level in the society now, people cannot afford to have a good food, not to talk of maintaining their health.
“People eat only carbohydrates and less of protein. So, if opportunity like this could come often, it would be of help to the poor who cannot afford hospital bills.
“It will help to keep a good health record and many will know their health status,’’ she said.
Speaking about the turnout of the programme, a nurse in the local government, Mrs Folake Bakare, said it was impressive.
“I am quite impressed with the turnout today being the first day. People came from far and near to benefit from the programme.
“The immunisation of mothers done today served as a boost.
“ After the immunisation, the nursing mothers also had the opportunity of attending Wellness Clinic.
“Those that were due for referral were referred to Ebute Meta; at least two clients, but most conditions were not out of hand.
“The programme will continue tomorrow and by Wednesday it will move to Iwaya Community,’’ Bakare said.
A health official in the local government, Mrs Atanda Salau, said the medical personnel were saddled with the responsibility of attending to everyone present for the test.
A nurse, Mrs Ayodeji Jejelowo, said the record showed that some people that came for the test had high blood pressure.
