Economic hardship causing rise in diabetes, hypertension cases, experts say

Professor Godwin Onyebueke, a consultant physician at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, has linked the rise in cases of diabetes and hypertension to the financial strain brought on by the nation's difficulties.

Speaking at the Ozumba Medical Outreach, one of the events organised by former vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, to commemorate his retirement from public service and his 70th birthday on March 21, he made this statement at the Edem-ani Hospital Nsukka, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State.

The medical outreach's team leader, Onyebueke, stated that the number of cases of diabetes and hypertension was extremely high based on their observations from the outreach events in Enugu and Nsukka, and she encouraged people to always get regular checkups.
Some patients with diabetes and hypertension, he stated, are not even aware that they have these illnesses. It is important for people to have regular checkups in order to monitor their health.

"The rise in diabetes and hypertension may not be unrelated to the nation's economic strain, as many individuals are currently struggling to provide for their families."

He complimented Ozumba for the outreach, stating that it had improved rural residents' health.

"I applaud Ozumba for his outstanding leadership as Vice-Chancellor of the United Nations and for using his retirement from public service to provide free medical care to anyone in need.

"This outreach has benefited over 500 people, including those on whom we performed surgeries at no cost.
We are at Nkpoffia Obeagu Awkunanaw, Enugu South, on Saturday, and we are at Edem-ani today. We have a group of medical specialists and enough medication to treat people. To make sure they heal quickly, we will check in with every patient we operated on', he stated.

As the Chairman of the Prof. Ozumba Valedictory Programme Committee, Prof. Chidi Nzeadibe, explained, the free outreach was a part of the week-long celebration of the former VC's 70th birthday and his retirement from public office.

"The former VC put together a group of physicians, chemists, lab scientists, nurses and other medical professionals to provide the locals with comprehensive medical care right at their door.

"Today, Edem-Ani Hospital, Ozumba wants to give back to the society. Last week Saturday, a similar free outreach was carried out at Nkpoffia Obeagu Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA," he stated.

The head of the UNN Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability and committee chairman revealed that JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede will be giving a lecture as one of the program's additional scheduled events.

In the meantime, Chief John Okanyi, the Chief of Staff to Igwe Samuel Asadu, the traditional ruler of the Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community, thanked Ozumba for the medical outreach that was conducted in the community.

He characterised Ozumba as a brilliant administrator who had positively impacted numerous lives, as well as a well-known gynaecologist with international recognition.

Okanyi added, “The people of Edem-Ani are happy for this wonderful gesture. Ozumba has demonstrated once again what giving back to society is all about.”