The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (ARD-UATH), Gwagwalada, has trained 237 law enforcement officers in the Federal Capital Territory.

The training focused on equipping them with the skills to properly handle accident and emergency victims.

Beneficiaries of the training include 80 officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and 117 from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Additionally, 40 officers from the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), all under the Gwagwalada Command, also participated in the training.

The association also provided free medical services to the officers during the three-day exercise, which ran from Wednesday, June 18 to Friday, June 20.

Speaking at the event in Abuja on Friday, Chief of Staff and Chairman, Committee on Special Duties at ARD-UATH, Dr Adams Egwakhide, said the initiative was driven by the need to support service members.

He noted that officers often face unique health challenges due to the demanding nature of their duties.

“Many of them prioritise work over their own health, often seeking care only when complications arise. This outreach brings essential health services directly to them, encouraging early detection and preventive care,” Mr Egwakhide said.

He noted that the programme also aimed to foster collaboration and trust between healthcare professionals and other government agencies.

“This partnership is vital in building mutual trust and improving communication between resident doctors and service officers in Gwagwalada,” he added.

He said the outreach included health education, screenings for common diseases such as hypertension, viral hepatitis, breast and cervical cancer, and consultations to promote lifestyle changes and regular follow-ups.

Mr Egwakhide said the association planned to extend similar medical outreaches to underserved communities, including markets, schools, churches, orphanages, and government institutions in the Gwagwalada axis.

He expressed optimism about future collaborations with stakeholders like the Gwagwalada Area Council and non-governmental organisations to expand the initiative’s reach.

“Feedback from the officers has been overwhelmingly positive. For some, this was their first time undergoing screenings like the hepatitis B test,” he said.

Also speaking, President of ARD-UATH, Dr Adewale-Premiere Adeleye, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the programme.

He stated, “It gives me great joy that this training happened during my tenure. It strengthens our synergy with law enforcement agencies, which is critical in times like this.’’

He emphasised the importance of equipping first responders with life-saving skills, especially in the context of Nigeria’s ongoing brain drain in the healthcare sector.

“With many healthcare professionals leaving the country, those of us who remain must not face unnecessary barriers while on duty,” he stated.

Mr Adeleye further said the training, titled “How to handle accident/unconscious victims,” covered basic life support techniques tailored for first responders.

The officers expressed appreciation for the training and medical care, with many describing it as timely and impactful.

(NAN)