• As NMA lauds state’s diaspora agency DG’s appointment
The Edo State Health Insurance Commission has raised concerns on the surge in cases of hypertension and called on residents to take proactive measures against the disease.
The Head Planning Research and Statistics, State’s Health Insurance Commission, Dr Stephen Omorogbe made the call during a sensitisation workshop at the New Era Primary Health Centre in Benin to commemorate World Hypertension Day.
Omorogbe urged residents to imbibe a general health wellness to avoid illness. He noted with dismay the increasing number of people, including young people, who pass away as a result of not knowing that their blood pressure had increased beyond normal.
He urged residents to prioritise resting and exercising to relax the body, as well as avoid excessive intake of alcohol and salt as preventive measures against the illness.
He stated that the day is being marked to highlight the need for stakeholders to underline the need to disseminate information on how to prevent hypertension, which has been referred to as a silent killer.
“This has become pertinent because we are seeing cases of people who slump and die, who have cardiac issues without even knowing, so there is the need for preventive measures, such as regular exercise, managing stress, reduction in intake of salt and alcohol and regular checks of blood pressure,” Omorogbe said.
The commission also harped on the need to sensitise the people on the benefits of enrolling in the health insurance scheme. Some of the beneficiaries of the free medical outreach praised the government for the initiative.
The Commission also carried out similar outreach and free screening at Igueben in Edo Central and Fugar in Edo North.
MEANWHILE, the Nigeria Medical Association, Edo State Branch has hailed Governor Monday Okpebholo for appointing a medical doctor, Loretta Okor, as the Director General, Edo State Diaspora Agency.
In a statement signed by Dr Eustace Oseghale and Dr IluobeInegbenosun, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, the association said, “This prestigious role is a testament to your exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to community development.
“Your experience and passion will undoubtedly drive positive change, benefiting both the medical community and Edo State.”
We’re confident that under your guidance, the agency will thrive, harnessing diaspora potential for the state’s betterment.
The association pledged to partner with her to encourage skill and resource transfer from our diaspora medical community to Edo State. “We’re eager to partner with you to enhance healthcare in our state.”
