From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Consultant Physician at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Parklane, Enugu State, Prof. Godwin Onyebueke has attributed the rising cases of diabetes and hypertension in the country to stress occasioned by economic hardship.
Onyebueke said this in Nsukka yesterday at Edem-ani Hospital Nsukka, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State during a Free Medical Outreach sponsored by Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, former Vice-chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The outreach was one of the activities lined up by Ozumba to mark his 70th birthday and his retirement from civil service.
Onyebueke, who led a team of medical professionals to the outreach said that from their findings in Enugu and Nsukka, diabetes and hypertension cases were highest and advised people to always go for regular medical check-ups.
“Some of the patients diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension are not even aware of having the problems. People should always go for regular check-ups to know their health status.
“The increase in diabetes and hypertension may not be unconnected with stress caused by economic hardship in the country,” he said.
He commended Ozumba for the free medical outreach, which he said had positively impacted the health of rural dwellers.
“I commend Ozumba whose administration in UNN as Vice Chancellor is remarkable and who is using his exit from civil service to attend to the health needs of people free of charge.
“Over 500 people have benefited from this outreach including those we conducted surgeries free of charge.
Last Saturday we were Nkpoffia Obeagu Awkunanaw, Enugu South and today here we are at Edem-ani community, we have a team of medical experts in various fields of medicine as well as enough drugs to treat people.
“We will follow up on all patients we conducted surgeries to ensure their quick healing,” he said.
Speaking, Prof. Chidi Nzeadibe, Chairman, Prof. Ozumba Valedictory programme Committee said that the medical outreach was part of the week-long activities marking the former VC’s 70th birthday and his signing out from civil service.
Ozumba will officially retire from the service of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka on the 21st of March,” he said.