Professor Godwin Onyebueke, a Consultant Physician at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, has linked the surge in diabetes and hypertension cases to the economic strain caused by the prevailing hardship in the country.
Speaking during the Ozumba Medical Outreach at the Edem-ani Hospital in Nsukka, Enugu State, organized to commemorate the retirement and 70th birthday of former Vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, Prof Onyebueke highlighted the alarming prevalence of diabetes and hypertension discovered during their medical outreach in Enugu and Nsukka. He stressed the importance of regular check-ups to diagnose these conditions early.
He said, “Some of the patients diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension are not even aware they have the medical conditions. 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 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 on free of charge.
“Last Saturday we were at Nkpoffia Obeagu Awkunanaw, Enugu South and today at Edem-ani; we have a team of experts in various fields of medicine as well as enough drugs to treat people. We will follow up on all patients we conducted surgeries on to ensure their quick healing,” he said.
Prof. Chidi Nzeadibe, Chairman of Prof Ozumba Valedictory Programme Committee, 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, Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, UNN, disclosed that other activities scheduled for the programme include a lecture by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to Igwe Samuel Asadu, the traditional ruler of the Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community, Chief John Okanyi, expressed appreciation to Ozumba for the medical outreach carried out in the community.
He described Ozumba as a renowned gynaecologist of international repute and an astute administrator who had touched many lives positively.
Okanyi added, “The people of Edem-Ani are happy for this wonderful gesture. Ozumba has demonstrated once again what giving back to society is all about.”
