Dr. Ikechukwu Odikpo, Chairman of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Board
The Chairman of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Board, Dr Ikechukwu Odikpo, has noted the need for routine health checks to reduce the rising cases of sudden death, most of which he said are cardiovascular-related.
Odikpo made the call during the commissioning of the Clinical Arm of the Cardiovascular Research Centre and the upgraded Pharmacy Mini Production Unit in Gwagwalada. He warned that many fatalities occur because people neglect proper medical care, screening, and follow-up.
He said the hospital would soon roll out an initiative tagged Conquer Sudden Deaths to deepen public awareness on cardiovascular health. Odikpo added that the upgraded pharmacy unit would boost the hospital’s internally generated revenue and cut procurement costs.
Acting Chief Medical Director, Assoc. Prof. Bob Ukonu, said the cardiovascular centre would generate data to guide national health policy and provide solutions to heart-related conditions. He added that the pharmacy unit would reduce drug costs and support hospital-wide supply.
Head of Pharmacy, Josephine Abiri, said the unit now produces over a dozen essential items, including paracetamol, bleach, and methylated spirit, and is set to go commercial to improve revenue.
Centre Director Prof. Dike Ojji stressed the importance of local research, noting that Nigeria must develop solutions tailored to its environment.
Leave feedback about this