The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) provided free medical screening for diabetes and hypertension to residents at the Garki Village Primary Health Centre in Abuja on Saturday.

Anthony Orji, the chief medical officer of the Pharma Healthcare Department, AMAC, said the exercise, sponsored by AMAC chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, was impactful and received positive feedback from patients.

He noted that free screening is part of AMAC’s efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and promote healthy living across the council’s communities.

“The screening identifies people with diabetes and hypertension, offers counselling, and refers diagnosed patients to Primary Health Care Centres for treatment,” Mr Orji told journalists.

The exercise featured random and fasting blood sugar tests, blood pressure checks, and BMI measurements to assess risk factors among residents.

Mr Orji said AMAC operates 15 centres for treating uncomplicated hypertension and five centres dedicated to diabetes care.

He emphasised the need for more health workers to manage AMAC’s growing population and urged the upgrade of additional facilities into treatment centres.

“Preliminary results reveal a high prevalence of diabetes (40 per cent) and hypertension (50 per cent) among participants. Final figures will be released later,” he said.

Follow-up treatment for hypertension will be free, while treatment for diabetes will be subsidised, according to Mr Orji.

Monica Jacob, officer-in-charge of the facility, praised the outreach, saying it encouraged people who rarely visit hospitals to discover hidden health issues, such as high blood pressure.

Ms Jacob cited irregular water and power supply as major challenges, noting that solar power does not provide 24-hour electricity. She appealed for a generator or a larger solar system.

Emeka Mbanusi, AMAC spokesperson, urged Garki residents and surrounding communities to utilise the free medical programme to monitor their health status and seek early treatment where necessary.

Mr Mbanusi recalled that similar outreaches had been conducted in Kurudu, Jiwa, Gidan Mangoro, Apo Resettlement, Lugbe, Kar, and Kabusa communities since Mr Maikalangu assumed office.

He assured residents that the chairman planned to extend the programme to all 12 political wards of the council, with continued support for healthcare initiatives.

Some beneficiaries said the screening brought hope to Garki Village and urged sustained support for essential healthcare services through the facility.

Abubakar Umaru, a 60-year-old retiree, thanked AMAC for the screening. After being diagnosed with high blood pressure, he stressed the importance of regular medical checks.

(NAN)