FREE HYPERTENSION SCREENING NOW AVAILABLE IN ANAMBRA PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES

By Ebele Egoh

Residents of Anambra State can now access free hypertension screening services at all public health facilities across the state, following a directive from the Anambra State Ministry of Health aimed at strengthening preventive healthcare and promoting early disease detection.

The State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme disclosed this while announcing the directive issued by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, mandating all government-owned hospitals and health centres to provide blood pressure screening services free of charge.

According to Dr. Obidike, the initiative is part of the state government’s commitment to improving public health outcomes through the early detection and management of non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension.

He explained that the free screening programme will be available in all Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), Comprehensive Health Centres and General Hospitals throughout the state, ensuring that residents have convenient access to regular blood pressure checks and appropriate medical guidance.

Describing hypertension as a major public health challenge, the Commissioner noted that the condition is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it can develop without obvious symptoms while increasing the risk of serious health complications such as stroke, kidney failure, visual impairment, heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

Dr. Obidike stressed that the initiative aligns with the health agenda of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo which prioritises equitable access to quality healthcare services and the reduction of preventable illnesses among residents.

To ensure the success of the programme, Medical Officers, Primary Health Care Coordinators and heads of public health facilities across the state have been directed to give the exercise the necessary attention, ensuring full compliance with the ministry’s directive.

The Ministry of Health has therefore encouraged residents to take advantage of the free screening services by visiting the nearest public health facility to know their blood pressure status, emphasizing that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage hypertension-related complications.

Egoh  is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State