The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a free medical outreach, that has brought succour to over 3,370 residents across Bwari Area Council.
The outreach was flagged off by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud on Thursday in Abuja
A statement by the special adviser on media to the miniater, Austine Elemue indicated that the initiative, which is an offshoot of the Renewed Hope Medical Mission, has a wide range of medical services, including antenatal care (ANC), immunizations, screenings for HIV, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as dental and nutritional assessments for the people
The statement quoted Dr. Mahmoud to have emphasized the FCTA’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
She indicated that Nigeria has been facing high maternal and child mortality rates due to inadequate access to healthcare services, especially in remote areas. She disclosed the FCTA’s plans to renovate and build more primary healthcare centers across the six area councils while hiring additional healthcare workers to meet growing healthcare demands.
“The free medical outreach is aimed at addressing the health needs of underserved communities,” Dr. Mahmoud said.
She also educated the attendees on the important health issues, including the significance of antenatal care, the dangers of pregnancy complications, and the benefits of immunization for preventing childhood diseases.
The Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, noted that despite improvements in healthcare services, many communities in the FCT remain underserved.
She explained that the success of a similar medical outreach in Kuje Area Council in 2023 led to the expansion of the program in 2024.
The Kuje outreach provided care to 1,578 outpatients and referred several patients for surgeries at Wuse and Asokoro Hospitals.
As part of the Bwari outreach, dental services were provided to over 300 patients, while 931 residents received eye care, with many receiving reading glasses and referrals for cataract surgeries.
The event came to a close with Dr. Mariya Mahmoud consulting with some of the patients herself, underscoring the FCTA’s commitment to directly engaging with the community and addressing their healthcare needs.