The event, which attracted healthcare professionals, government officials, community leaders and residents, formed part of the hospital’s commitment to tackling the growing burden of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases within the society.
The Chairman of Somolu local government, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Hon. Hector Ayo-Coker, while delivering his speech, reiterated his commitment towards ensuring that every residents gets the needed attention as far as good health care delivery is concerned noting that all the fundings and the material needed for the project; would be made available when and where necessary.
He said, “Today, we joined medical experts and hypertension patients around the world in commemoration of World Hypertension Day, and we all know how important it is to have good health. We also know how deadly hypertension is, and for this reason, I want to urge the residents to always check their health status to ascertain whether they are in a good frame of mind and also do the needful where there is a need to take action at the appropriate time.
In addition, the Medical Director, Dr Mustapha Quadri, also stressed the importance of regular health checks, healthy living and early detection of hypertension, describing high blood pressure as a “silent killer” responsible for several avoidable deaths across the country.
According to Dr. Quadri, the newly commissioned Wellness/ Fast-Track Clinic is equipped to provide rehabilitation services, physical therapy, fitness counselling, stress management and other wellness-related interventions designed to improve the quality of life of patients.
The management noted that the establishment of the clinic aligns with the healthcare transformation agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu THEME plus agenda, aimed at strengthening access to quality healthcare services at the grassroots.
Similarly, the Director of Nursing, Somolu General Hospital, Mrs Olukoya Sekinat Iretiola and the Hospital’s Consultant and Family Physician, Dr. Olawepo Eunice Olufunmilayo, in their submissions, also described hypertension as a dangerous and silent killer disease that often catches victims unaware with no symptoms, with three out of ten people having hypertension unknowingly.
They further said residents need to know the dangers associated with uncontrolled hypertension, which include stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and sudden death, which was the reason for the awareness.
Residents were encouraged to reduce salt intake, engage in regular exercise, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, while also maintaining routine medical examinations.
Meanwhile, free blood pressure screening, drugs, medical consultations and health counselling were provided for attendees by Somolu General Hospital in partnership with New Height Pharmaceutical company, the manufacturer of Omron Blood Pressure Monitor, as part of activities marking the global health awareness campaign.
Community leaders and stakeholders who attended the event commended the hospital management for prioritising preventive healthcare and introducing facilities that would benefit residents of Somolu and neighbouring communities.
They expressed optimism that the Wellness/ Fast-Track Clinic would help address increasing cases of stress-related illnesses, physical injuries and post-treatment rehabilitation challenges among residents.
The programme ended with the official unveiling and tour of the newly commissioned facility, as guests applauded the hospital’s continuous efforts towards delivering accessible and efficient healthcare services to the people.
Members of staff were later taken through their monthly wellness check/ exercise routine to keep them fit.
