Nigerian Resident Doctors are strongly urging citizens to prioritise preventive healthcare measures to stem the tide of diseases and reduce the strain on the national health system. The call was made by the President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Adewale-Adeleye Premiere, during a recent medical outreach event.
Premiere stressed that while “wealth is health” in the current system, the most effective strategy is to avoid sickness entirely. This focus on primary healthcare is crucial because many fatalities from non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure are preventable.
The urgent advice is magnified by the ongoing “japa syndrome,” which has led to a critical doctor shortage in Nigeria, severely affecting access to quality curative care. By prioritizing their health, citizens can reduce reliance on a stressed healthcare sector and contribute to Nigeria’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The ARD-UATH initiative, held in partnership with the Police HMO, aimed to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses by offering free screenings and consultations for conditions like high blood pressure, malaria, and HIV, reinforcing the importance of proactive public health management. Nigerians are advised to consciously avoid substance abuse and social vices, especially during the festive season.
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