Catholic Practitioners Offer Free Medicare To 736 In Anambra, Give Tips On Healthy Living
No fewer than 736 patients received free medical treatment from Association of Catholic Medical Practitioners Association of Nigeria (ACMPN) 2024 AGM Medical Outreach in Nnewi.
Dr Ifeoma Udigwe, coordinator of Association of Catholic Medical Practitioners Association of Nigeria (ACMPN) 2024 AGM Medical Outreach said this in Nnewi at the end of the exercise at the weekend.
The theme of the conference was “Integrating Spirituality Into Practice: Exploring Holistic Approach and Recognising the Spiritual Nature of Man ”.
Udigwe said no fewer than 50 doctors from different departments, 20 nurses,10 pharmacists and four laboratory scientists made up the outreach team.
She said 12 surgeries were performed which were mainly herniorrhaphy and breast lump removal while 210 eyeglasses were given for free among other medicines and services delivered.
She said 283 of the patients had sight related cases.
“All our services were free of charge, the surgeries, the eyeglasses, the treatments, laboratory tests and medicines.
“Those who were not prepared for surgeries and those that required follow-up were referred to NAUTH because it was a one-day outreach, as a matter of fact we had to stop registering so that we could see those already enlisted,” she said.
Udigwe advised Nigerians to have sufficient sleep time and drink enough water in order to increase their body immunity to diseases.
Udigwe, an expert in the Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Hospital, Nnewi said with the rising cost of medical services in Nigeria, it had become necessary that people adopted preventive approaches to healthcare.
She recommended a minimum of eight hours of sleep and three litres of water daily for adults so that their body could be more immune to disease.
The expert said nutritious food did not have to be expensive if people made extra effort to providing what they ate like vegetables and fruits by keeping gardens or small farms around their homes.
“The situation we are in the country is really worrisome, hike in prices of food and high cost of medical care, so we advise the patients to take preventive measures.
“Eat well, avoid junk food and drinks you are not sure of, eat more vegetables and fruits, especially adults. These are expensive though, that is why we encourage people to have gardens around their houses.
“Sleep well, adults should have at least eight hours of sleep and drink a lot of water, at least three litres a day. They should also exercise, this will help circulation of blood around the body and make them fit,” she said.
The AGM and Scientific Conference which started on Thursday was rounded off on Sunday with a Thanksgiving Mass at St Cletus Catholic Church, Otolo, Nnewi.
