Residents doctors Hold Free Medical Outreach In Umuahia Correctional Service Center

Residents doctors hold free medical outreach in Umuahia Correctional Service Center

The Association of Resident Doctors of Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, have organised a free medical outreach for inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service Center in Umuahia.

Speaking during the exercise, Dr Robinson Ugwuanyi, the President of the association, said that the exercise was aimed at complementing government’s efforts in improving access to comprehensive healthcare service for inmates.

Ugwuanyi said that the gesture would help in identifying the health needs of the inmates and facilitate the process that would enable them receive proper health intervention.

He said that no fewer than 300 inmates would receive basic medical treatment as well as counselling on proper health seeking behavior and the need for lifestyle modification.

“We are going to offer primary healthcare service and if we detect those that need secondary or tertiary healthcare, such persons will be given appropriate referrals.

“We have came with basic drugs and multivitamins. We will check their blood pressure, blood sugar level and counsel them appropriately.

” We expect that at the end of the day, the average inmate would have the opportunity to interface with doctors and ask questions concerning their health,” Ugwuanyi said.

He said that the exercise was part of the association’s mandate to make a positive impact on the society, and contribution to the well-being of the inmates.

In an interview with newsmen, Mr Julius Ezugwu, the Controller of Correction, Abia Command, described the health intervention as worthwhile, adding that it would improve the health condition of inmates.

Ezugwu commended the association for keying into the core mandate of the Nigerian Correctional Service to provide humane and safe custody for inmates

According to him, it would go a long way to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in meeting the health needs of inmates.

Ezugwu called on relevant agencies, other professional bodies, NGOs and well meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture and support the service in reforming and reintegrating inmates into the society.

The inmates went through general medical checks, blood sugar level testing, and were given drugs as well as medical counselling.