The Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV), the healthcare arm of the Redeemed Christians Church of God (RCCG) was at Shoprite, Ikeja City Mall, to sensitise the people in the mall and its environs of the need to take care of their health and to go for periodic medical checkups to know their medical conditions.

Aside health talks, the group offered free eye examination, blood pressure, blood-sugar and hepatitis-B tests, among others. There were qualified professionals and a consultant on ground to give medical advice and prescribe drugs for those whose cases are bad. There was also a standby ambulance for any emergency.

According to the Head of Communications, Redeemer’s Health Village, Edith Onome: “Our goal is to bring healthcare closer to the people either in communities where people live, workplaces or places where they socialise, stressing that many because of their work schedules could not visit the hospitals as expected.

“Lack of awareness, often waiting until their health issues become severe has contributed to the untimely death of many people. By offering free health checks in a familiar, high-traffic environment, we hope to promote early detection, raise health awareness, and encourage proactive medical care,” she said.

Onome disclosed that the initiative is aimed at improving public healthcare, adding that the importance of early detection and regular health checks is to enable an individual to identify his/her health status and know how to handle it before it goes out of hand.

“ Imagine some of the people we examined were not aware of their health challenges. They walked around freely like any normal person, not knowing that they could drop dead at anytime if adequate care is not given to them on time. One participant’s blood pressure read 180/120, a random blood sugar level of 337mg/dL (well above the normal 140mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) ), and tested positive for Hepatitis-B.

He had no prior knowledge of his health condition, which is bad, but with the test and counseling, we hope he goes back home to treat himself. This is exactly why we are here to detect issues early before they become emergency situations.”

As a faith-based medical institution, RHV integrates science and faith in its approach.

“We pray, but we also take steps to check our health. Medicine and faith work together. Prayers are essential, but there are some medical issues that require early diagnosis and treatment,” she said.