WORLD DIABETES DAY: ONDO GOVERMENT TAKES CHECKUP TO MARKETPLACE

As part of the activity to mark the World Diabetes Day 2023, Ondo State Ministry of Health has organized a one-day free healthcare service at Isinkan Market in Akure as part of efforts to provide access to basic care for market men and women in the State.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Pharm. (Dr) Mrs. Folukemi Aladenola appreciated the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for being passionate about the health of the citizens by graciously approving the program to create awareness about Diabetes.
In her words "We are here today to express Mr. Governor’s goodwill to all our market women and the people in the neighbourhood by providing free healthcare service to them. There is going to be Health Talk, Blood Pressure Measurement, Blood Sugar Measurement, Body Mass Index Assessment and Counselling today, all free of charge. It is important for us to remember that whatever comes free to us has been paid for by someone. This is why we cannot thank Mr. Governor and the Hon. Commissioner for Health enough for magnanimously approving fund for this laudable activity.”
She urged participants to take advantage of the free healthcare services which included free Blood Sugar tests, Blood Pressure test and Body Mass Index (BMI).
Pharm. Aladenola also used the opportunity to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to boosting access to healthcare services in the state.

Giving a lecture on the theme of the event tagged ‘Access to Diabetes Care: Know Your Risk, Know Your Response’. The Ondo State Chairman, Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Dr. Adenike Enikuomehin explained the term Diabetes, the Causes, Symptoms and Risky Behaviours that contributes to the disease.
Dr. Enikuomehin harped on dangers of obesity, urging participants to know their risk and seek medical help without delay while also stating the need to eat healthy, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In his goodwill message, the Ondo State Coordinator, World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Dele David represented by Mrs. Modupe Dosumu applauded the initiative by the State Ministry of Health saying the program would help in providing access to healthcare in the state while also urging the citizens to take advantage of the opportunity to know their health status.


The Iyaloja of Isinkan Phase II Market, Chief (Mrs.) Modupe Ogunjebi appreciated the Ministry of Health for bringing the program to the market men and women who often find it difficult to seek medical care.
She emphasized the importance of regular Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure checkups and she also advised market men and women to participate fully in the exercise and undergo all the necessary health check that has been brought to their doorstep at no cost.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Public Health, Dr. Richard Adesoji explained that the Ondo State Government remained committed to providing healthcare services to the citizens and that the program was one of the ways to achieve that.