The Chief Medical Director, 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna (NARHK), Brig.-Gen. Godwin Ogoh, has described the Medical Corps as the eye of the Nigerian Army on health and cleanliness.

Mr Ogoh stated this on Saturday at the Barracks Health Committee (BHC) programme organised by the hospital in Kaduna.

The programme, with the theme: “Empowering the Barracks Community to Respond Positively to Health and Cleanliness,” was aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and healthy living among members of the barracks community.

Mr Ogoh, represented by Brig.-Gen. D.C. Ibe, said prevention remained better than cure, stressing the importance of maintaining a clean environment to prevent diseases.

According to him, proper environmental and personal hygiene could help prevent respiratory tract infections, cough, tuberculosis, pneumonia and other communicable diseases.

He also said diseases such as gastroenteritis and cholera could be prevented through proper sanitation, safe water and good personal hygiene.

“The Medical Corps is the eye of the Army when it comes to cleanliness and good health.

“Therefore, we must lead by example, not only among ourselves but in the Nigerian Army as a whole, by demonstrating the importance of cleanliness and healthy living,” he said.

The CMD said the programme was designed to underscore the importance of cleanliness and preventive healthcare in promoting the wellbeing of the barracks community.

He urged participants to make cleanliness and preventive healthcare part of their daily lives.

Also speaking, Dr Ayamkop Attah, who delivered a health talk, emphasised the importance of personal and environmental hygiene in maintaining good health.

Mr Attah urged members of the barracks community to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and ensure that their environment was kept clean.

He particularly advised parents to guide their children and wards on the importance of personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness.

The awards were presented to some barracks boys who distinguished themselves through their commitment to cleanliness and good hygiene practices.

The programme ended with a renewed call for members of the barracks community to embrace cleanliness and preventive healthcare.

 (NAN)