By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
As part of activities to mark the Department of Primary Healthcare Education Kaduna Polytechnic on Thursday October 27 rolled out the drums and embarked on an elaborate sensitization walk to mark the 2022 Tutors PHC Week, with calls on Nigerians to always engage in periodic tests to ensure they remain healthy.
The activity marked within the premises of Kaduna Polytechnic’s main campus in Tudun Wada, saw them move in a colourful procession dressed in branded t-shirts and p-caps, with inscription,
“Kadpoly 2022 Tutors PHC Week”.
In an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the procession, the National President Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, Alhaji Kabiru Ahmed Yahaya said that the week is aimed at creating awareness.
Represented by Usman Sani Ishaku, he said that the PHC Week happens annually, but this time it involves medical outreach and other activities.
“This is to inform the general public that whenever one wants services it can be assessed at all PHCs.
“We are creating awareness through the rally. We are excited that the parade we did attracted others who joined us,” he said.
He advised Nigerians that they should always engage in constant tests and medical check ups.
“Some people still question existence of some health conditions, but with the awareness we have created, they will have a second thought.
“Some people may be walking around without knowing that they have high blood pressure or HIV or other health conditions, until they carry out tests,” he said.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the association, Aliyu Abdul-Rasheed Umar said that the week is observed annually from 24 to 28 October.
“We observe it because we have our students who are tutors.
“We go on clinical services after the rally to diagnose sickness from students and staff, who may not know they have it. We will also conduct tests for malaria, HIV, diabetics and others,” he informed.
According to him, when humans reach advanced age, they should at least have 15 mins walk every morning and avoid unhealthy lifestyle.
Chairman of the organizing committee, Comrade Auwal Dagal said that the week was designed to capture activities run by PHCs.
“PHC Tutors are the ones training health manpower in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. The celebration is celebrating the inception of PHCs.
“We move to less privileged societies and. Give them drugs and tests,” he said.
In an interview, the Head of Department of Primary Healthcare Education Kadpoly, Mohammed Bello Abdullahi said the week was organised to spread the mission of community health.
He added that, “It is to sensitize people on the essence of their health. It is important they make impact in their chosen field.
“We are health professionals and as community health practitioners, we make people get these services and urge them to keep taking care of their health
“Most people don’t check their health until sickness comes then they go to hospitals. Any problem detected early is easier and cheaper to treat,” he advised.
The week was organised by the Students of the Department of Primary Health Education, Kaduna Polytechnic.
