Sokoto family conducts free medical outreach for 500 HBP, Diabetic patients
By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
The Balarabe Goronyo Family Initiatives Sokoto has conducted a free medical outreach for patients with high blood pressure, diabetes and related ailment.
The one day programme which was conducted weekend at the Kofar Bai area Sokoto extended family house residence of the Goronyos targeted no fewer than 500 male and female patients between the ages of 30 and above for the exercise .
Speaking on behalf of the family, Haliru Balarabe said the essence was to further their course for humanity given the growing health challenges in the society.
According to the family representative, " we realise that people , especially the poor who are battling with these ailments need support. For that, we decided to support them by initiating this outreach to enable them access treatment free of charge.
" Not only that, we are using the programme to further advocate and create awareness as well enlighten the public especially those ignorant of the dangers associated with the ailments and related health issues so that they can take measures ", he explained.
He said the programme would also avail people with the ailment of medical advise on what to eat or not as measures to control and manage their conditions.
Recall that before Covid-19 pandemic, the family initiative conducted similar outreach for 500 patients with sight problems.
" The exercise was successful as patients were given glasses and other forms of treatment. We targeted 500 but about 1000 patients turned up ", he said.
The Team Leader, Dr Zubairu Ibrahim said the one day programme has identified and treated patients with mild cases while those with severe cases were referred to the Specialist hospital for either surgery or further diagnosis for treatment.
Also, the State Chairman and Secretary, Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Muhammad Wakili Dange and Rashida Shehu Ambursa said they were at the outreach venue to deepen the body's advocacy initiative to people on the numerous dangers of HBP/ Diabetes to human life .
According to them, the sicknesses could have consequences on the sight and mental health of a patient, while advising that, caution must be applied on attitude to food intake to avoid the ailment.
" Diabetes and high blood pressure are among the fastest multiplying sicknesses that have become global pandemic", they pointed out.
While noting that women were more vulnerable to the ailments, Rashida who also was a beneficiary of the programme , emphasised the need to encourage s sustained collaboration with the association in creating more awareness through enlightenment especially for women.
The officials however, expressed gratitude and commended the family for the initiative and foresight to support humanity.
Also, Aisha Zayyanu Balarabe a family member said the initiative was muted out of concern, sympathy and care for the poor who cannot afford and access medical treatment and other aspects of basic needs for survival.
" Our show of commitment to the course is to extend and give support to the needing public in areas deemed important to life. We are into education , health and empowerment which we are proud to be part of human survival course", She outlined.
The community leader, Muhammad Bello Sodangi urged people to take advantage of the outreach for their health and survival.
He thanked the Goronyo family initiatives in driving a commendable gesture for the poor who were in dare need .
According to him, " health is wealth. We are witnesses to the supports being piloted by the family for the community. The reward is with the Almighty Allah who will abundantly and continually bless the family ", he said.
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