The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with Soteria-Afrique Rural Healthcare Initiative and Poverty and Disability Initiative in Nigeria (PADIN), has launched a free medical outreach for persons with disabilities at the Karonmajigi Disability Colony in Abuja. This initiative is part of NCPWD’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
The medical outreach program aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including free consultations, laboratory tests, medications, and surgeries. Additionally, the event marks the launch of telemedicine services to further extend healthcare access to the less privileged.
During the flag-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Dr. James David Lalu, PhD, npom, emphasized the Commission’s dedication to ensuring quality healthcare services for persons with disabilities. Dr. Lalu stated, “We are committed to providing access to quality healthcare services for persons with disabilities. Beyond this initiative, we are working towards establishing a local clinic within the community to ensure continuous healthcare access. We are identifying a suitable building for this purpose, and we are dedicated to making sure no one here suffers from preventable diseases such as typhoid.”
Dr. Lalu also highlighted the importance of addressing common health issues in the community. “Our goal is to ensure that no one dies from tropical diseases due to lack of access to healthcare. We are committed to empowering the healthcare of our community and achieving full healthcare access for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.”
The Executive Secretary further reassured the community of the Commission’s commitment to improving infrastructure, including the provision of transformers and the renovation of a Skills Training Center to enhance local empowerment. “We are working closely with the Ministry of Power to resolve the transformer issue. If necessary, the Commission will take further steps to ensure that power is provided. This is crucial for operating our planned Skills Training Center, which will provide essential skills and training to our community.”
Dr. Lalu concluded his remarks by reflecting on the broader impact of the disability community in Nigeria. “Nigeria has a significant population of persons with disabilities, more than the population of several countries. We have the capacity and power to make substantial contributions to the nation. This Commission is committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of enhancing our local economy and reducing the importation of assistive devices by boosting local production.”
The NCPWD remains dedicated to supporting the disability community through various initiatives and partnerships aimed at enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
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