Silver-Cross Hospital, NSCDC distribute drugs in Abuja

The exercise, which began on Friday, formed part of activities to commemorate the annual childhood cancer awareness programme of the Okapi Foundation.

The benefiting communities were Pyakasa along Airport Road, Jabi Lake, and Guzape.

The outreach attended to more than 700 residents and provided a wide range of medical services.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise included free eye screening and distribution of eyeglasses, breast cancer and malaria screening, hepatitis and HIV testing, medical consultation, counselling, and drug distribution.

Dr Patrick Ezie, Chief Medical Director of Silver-Cross Hospitals and Foundation, said the outreach was part of the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Ezie, who is also Chairman of the Abuja City Rotary Club Medical Mission, said the exercise identified women with breast cancer and provided free screening, medical consultations, drugs, and vital signs checks.

“We also carried out hypertension and malaria screening. We were able to manage gastroenteritis in children, and more than 300 children were dewormed,” he said.

He noted that the large turnout demonstrated the need for medical outreach initiatives to improve access to healthcare, especially among the less privileged.

Mr Benedict Pama, Deputy Commandant of NSCDC, FCT Command, said the corps partnered in the initiative to complement government efforts in addressing gaps in healthcare access.

“We are committed to promoting health, safety and security. This outreach is our way of showing dedication to the welfare of the people and building stronger ties with the community we serve,” he said.

Pama added that the corps recognised the health challenges faced by many communities and would continue to support initiatives that improved the well-being of Nigerians. (NAN)