Embark On Regular Health Checks; FCTA Enjoins Residents

By: Badaru Yakasai & Prudence Okonna

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has enjoined residents of the Territory to regularly conduct health checks to help nip illnesses in the bud before they escalate.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, made this call during an Abuja Health Walk in commemoration of the 2024 World Heart Day, in Abuja, Saturday.

The Minister, who was represented at the occasion by the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, explained that health is wealth; adding that regular checks of blood pressure and sugar levels would help a person have a clean bill of health.

Wike noted that one of the important organs of the body is the heart, and wants everybody to take cognizance of this to always safeguard it; saying that hypertension which results from high blood pressure is a silent killer, if not checked in time and treated accordingly.

His words: “Hypertension is one of the most treatable illnesses, if you use the right medication and you follow your doctor’s advice. It is silent killer, because we have seen people with unbelievable blood pressure walking about, which ultimately leads to stroke or death. So, the importance of knowing your status can not be underestimated.”

He called on residents to take advantage of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme by enrolling themselves and their families with N12,000 to help them access healthcare all year round.

Wike emphasized that the FCT Administration has provided a free health plan for pregnant women to be registered on FHIS to reduce maternal mortality, because high blood pressure in pregnancy is a dangerous condition.

“We have zero tolerance for pregnant women and child birth deaths, complications, and that is why we have made available these provisions.”

The Minister appreciated the management of The Limi Hospital for organising the health walk and free checks; promising that the FCT Administration will support regular health walks for residents.

Consultant Candiologist and Group Managing Director, Limi Hospital, Dr. Iseko Iseko, said that going for regular walks improves a person’s blood sugar and levels.

He said that taking simple walks aside from improving cardiovascular health, can reduce incidences of cancer and diabetes.

Abuja Digest reports that the Abuja Health Walk’s theme “Walk for Your Heart” organised by The Limi Hospital in partnership with the FCT Administration is in commemoration of World Heart Day usually marked every 29th September, annually.

Abuja Digest also reports that this year’s ‘Health Walk’ had a turnout of over 200 residents of the Territory.