The Anambra State Government has commenced free hypertension screening services in all public health facilities across the state.
This is part of efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and promote early detection of non-communicable diseases.
The State Hospital Administrator, Dr Frank Ifeanaeme, disclosed this while announcing a directive by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike.
The directive mandated all government-owned hospitals and health centres to provide free blood pressure screening services.
According to Obidike, the initiative is aimed at improving public health outcomes through early detection and effective management of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.
He said the programme would be available in all Primary Healthcare Centres, Comprehensive Health Centres and General Hospitals across the state l.
According to him, the initiative is to ensure residents have easy access to regular blood pressure checks and appropriate medical advice.
Hypertension, a Silent Killer
The commissioner described hypertension as a major public health challenge.
Obidike noted that health experts often describe the condition as a “silent killer” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms while increasing the risk of serious health complications.
He slso listed some of the complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension to include stroke, kidney failure, visual impairment, heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
“The initiative aligns with the healthcare agenda of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
“It prioritises equitable access to quality healthcare services and the reduction of preventable illnesses among residents,” he said..
Health Officers on Alert
He said the ministry had directed medical officers, Primary Healthcare Coordinators and heads of public health facilities to ensure full compliance with the directive to guarantee the success of the programme.
The commissioner urged residents to take advantage of the free screening services by visiting the nearest public health facility to ascertain their blood pressure status.
He emphasised that early detection remained one of the most effective ways of preventing and managing hypertension-related complications.
