Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, MWAN, has offered free medical and surgical services to more than 1,000 residents of Zaria, Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the services were provided in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, CHAI, and other partners.
Dr Aisha Mustapha, MWAN President, Kaduna State branch, on Sunday in Zaria said the outreach was part of activities marking the 24th National Conference and Scientific Meeting of the association.
Mustapha explained that the exercise was designed to “formally open our conference with a medical outreach currently taking place at a primary school adjacent to the palace of Emir of Zazzau.”
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According to her, the outreach covered both medical and surgical services, including minor surgeries, cervical screening, radiology, dental care, eye treatment, and the donation of corrective glasses for presbyopia patients.
“We anticipate to see, diagnose and treat a minimum of 1,000 people,” Mustapha said.
She added that the association enjoyed immense support from the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
“Most of us schooled in this community and it is time to give back as part of our social responsibility.
“That is why we decided that this 24th biennium medical outreach should hold right here in the palace,” she noted.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau commended MWAN and its partners for bringing healthcare services closer to the people.
“Indeed, we are very grateful, all of us, the people of Zazzau Emirate, for this strategic intervention in the area of healthcare in our domain,” he said.
However, the royal father decried the shortage of doctors at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, noting that only five doctors attend to the densely populated city.
“In most cases, my people travel about 20 kilometers to access care at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, Shika.
“There is no reason one should travel such a distance to access healthcare in the 21st century, it does not speak well of us,” he lamented.
NAN
