By Zainab Olufunmi
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) is set to provide free medical outreach services to 1,000 people in Gwale and Nasarawa Local Government Areas (LGAs)of Kano State.
The Branch Executive Secretary of NRCS, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, said this on Wednesday in Kano, during the commemoration of World Red Cross Day, themed “On the Side of Humanity.”
Perisccope.ng reports that the medical outreach will include screenings for diabetes, genotype, hepatitis, high blood pressure, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Abdullahi stated that 500 people from each local government areas would benefit from the initiative.
“We have our volunteers and health service experts who will assist in Giginyu and Gwale LGAs.
“The outreach will take place at Jean Primary Healthcare Centre in Gwale LGA and Giginyu Primary Healthcare Centre in Nasarawa LGA, where participants will receive essential health services and free medication.
“Additionally, NRCS will implement zebra crossings at Abdullahi Muhammed Wase Hospital (commonly known as Nasarawa Hospital) and at a major market nearby to help prevent accidents at the hospital entrance,” he said.
Abdullahi also revealed that NRCS would organise a first aid competition among youths across all 44 local government areas in the state to strengthen emergency response capacity.
“The society will also visit Kano Central Prison, donating detergents and other essential items to support and raise awareness among inmates.”
He called on businesses, companies, industries, and market associations to support and adopt Red Cross activities in Kano.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Health, Aminu Bashir, described the outreach as a “very wonderful innovation.”
He noted that the initiative would assist many people through vital health interventions, including testing for malaria, diabetes, hypertension, and genotype.
Hajiya Hadiza Aliyu, Head of Department at Jean Primary Healthcare Centre, expressed gratitude to the NRCS for selecting their facility for the free medical examinations and medication.
One of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Lubabatu Ahmadu, thanked the Red Cross Society for the free medical tests and drugs provided, noting the significant relief it brought.
