Air travellers to undergo blood pressure, sugar level checks pre-boarding

Some Nigerian evacuees check-in during the last evacuation flight from the U.S. aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET. 509 from Newark New Jersey, to arrive Abuja by 12:41 hours and Lagos by 14:31 hours. The flight manifest included: 87 male, 111 female and 10 infants, with a total of 89 passengers for Abuja and 119 for Lagos. This last flight brought the total number of stranded Nigerians evacuated from the U.S. to 2,322 returnees….yesterday

The House of Representatives has passed a motion to subject air passengers to blood and sugar level before boarding.

The motion moved by Rep. Kalejaiye Paul during Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja, urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation to ensure that passengers at airports undergo necessary checks before.

The motion, titled: “Need to Make Provision for free High Blood Pressure and Sugar Level Check Desks at Airports,” highlighted the physical and stressful nature of air travel, especially for passengers with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

To address these concerns and prioritise the health of travellers passing through airports, the resolution emphasized the importance of providing free high blood pressure and sugar level check desks at all airports.

The motion further emphasized the need for early detection and preventive care for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. By setting up these check desks with trained healthcare personnel, individuals could receive regular monitoring, medical intervention, and counseling, if necessary.

He said: “This will send a powerful message that we prioritise the well-being of our citizens and visitors by making healthcare services easily accessible regardless of their travel schedules.”

The resolution also called for collaboration between the Ministry of Aviation and relevant healthcare professionals and organisations to establish and operate these health check desks nationwide.

Additionally, the House urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to equip Nigerian airports with adequate medical facilities to prevent sudden health complications related to high blood pressure and diabetes.

The Committee on Aviation was, however, tasked with ensuring compliance with these measures, thereby demonstrating the government’s commitment to promoting public health in air travel.

Join Our Channels