By NAN

Over 500 persons have benefitted from a one-day medical outreach organised by the Silver Cross Hospital, Abuja, for traders and buyers at the Dei-Dei market, in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr Effiom Bassey, Programme Manager at the hospital, said the medical outreach was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and to provide access to health care for its host and neighbouring communities.

He added that the gesture would go a long way in helping to improve the overall healthcare of the beneficiaries, even as it support governments’ effort in reaching the unreached.

“This medical outreach focused on eye screening, BP checks, Cholesterol checks, Blood Glucose level checks, malaria screening, Hepatitis B and C, HIV screening, Dental checks as well as medical and surgical consultations.

“We decided to bring to this outreach here because it is our desire to see the traders as well as their customers to be in good state of health.

“We know that most Nigerians have a very poor health seeking behaviour and do not go to the hospitals until it is too late or the situation too advanced.

“That is why we decided to bring the medical intervention to them and to remind them of the need to check themselves regularly,” he said.

Mr Sam Nwafor, a trader, appreciated the hospital for the medical intervention, adding that it would go a long way in improving the well-being of the beneficiaries.

“I want to call on other organizations to emulate this gesture because most indigent people do not have money to eat, not to talk of going for medical checks.

“But with this, we now know out medical status and we have advised on how to manage our health,” he said.