LAGOS – A Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Sanya Olusegun-Joseph, on Tuesday advised Nigerians to go for regular medical check-up to ascertain the true status of their health.
Olusegun-Joseph, who works with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
He spoke on the sidelines of a free medical consultation exercise organised by a church, The Old Path Revival Commission, Lagos chapter, as part of the Yuletide activities.
The cardiologist said that regular medical check-up would facilitate early detection and treatment of most ailments.
Olusegun-Joseph, who is also the State Pastor of the church, said: “Health is wealth. If you do not have good health, you can hardly do anything.
“Health is also the total wellbeing of the body including the mental state. This medical consultation will go a long way in solving some of the challenges of people in this community.
“We decided to come here for free medical services because we noticed that this place, Kalakuta area, over a period of time, has been largely neglected.
“ On a closer survey, there are many kinds of health challenges that may be associated with the kind of lifestyle here.
“ During this festive period, we need to touch lives in a different way. We need to impact on the society.
“People need to know their health status, especially the seemingly neglected people in the society.
“So, for those that can hardly afford the high medical bill, for those who do not even have any motivation to go to any clinic for medical screening, we are checking them.”
He said the medical team was made up of general practitioners, cardiologist, dermatologist, dentist and eye specialist.
“ We have discovered that there are lots of people with skin problems, rashes, scabies, eye problems and even dental issues.
“Our estimate is to attend to about 100 to 150 people.
“We have had this kind of programme before and sometimes we have had more than that.
“For ailments like malaria, we give drugs. However, for more serious and sensitive conditions, we refer to secondary and tertiary health facilities for more comprehensive screening and possible treatment,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Adebayo Iyabo, a beneficiary of the programme, commended the organiser of the programme.
“I am 70-year-old and I understand the importance of regular medical check-up and having good health.
“This initiative is commendable and I will appeal to other groups, individuals and even the government to always remember us whenever it comes to issues about health.
“Individuals on their own should pay attention to their health. We should not wait till it gets to critical stage before we go to the hospital,’’ she said. (NAN)