By Ebele Egoh
The Anambra State Government has been commended for creating an enabling environment for the successful implementation of free laboratory testing services in four communities across the state.
Mrs Adokiye Mokwenye, Programme Coordinator, Bloom Public Health and Anambra State Laboratory Optimisation Project (ASLOP), gave the commendation on Aug. 7 at General Hospital, Ukpor, during the ongoing medical laboratory outreach.
Mokwenye said the outreach was organised by ASLOP consortium members comprising the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Bloom Public Health, Syndani Group, Erba Mannheim and Worldwide Healthcare, in collaboration with Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
She said the project had provided modern laboratory equipment to Solution General Hospital, Okpoko, and general hospitals in Agulu, Oraifite and Ukpor, with plans to extend the intervention to other health facilities across the state.
According to her, the equipment was aimed at reducing the cost of laboratory tests and improving access to accurate and reliable diagnostic services, while the outreach was designed to promote preventive healthcare and create awareness about improved laboratory services.
“This week, we are conducting an integrated community outreach in Solution General Hospital, Okpoko, and general hospitals in Agulu, Oraifite and Ukpor. We are pleased with the turnout and the number of beneficiaries recorded so far,” she said.
Mokwenye said the services included HIV screening, Hepatitis B and C tests, blood sugar checks and blood pressure monitoring, among others, urging residents to utilise laboratory services available at general hospitals across the state.
Also speaking, Mrs Neckar Uzor, Director of Medical Support Services, State Hospital Management Board, Awka, commended the health team and partners for their dedication and professionalism, particularly those who travelled from Abuja to participate in the exercise.
Mrs Vivian Raphael Ekweoba, Deputy Director in charge of the Medical Laboratory Division, Ministry of Health, urged beneficiaries to create awareness about the programme and make regular health checks a habit. Some beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing the services as affordable and reliable.
Ebele Egoh is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
