By Thompson ABISOLA
No fewer than 170 commercial drivers benefited from general medical consultation and screening services of Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) held as part of activities to mark its 20th anniversary.
The Media Relations Manager of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr Bamidele Odugbesan, said this in Lagos on Monday.
He said the one-day programme was held in Ota, headquarters of Ado Odo/Ota Local Government area of Ogun State, where drivers were screened for blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar, cholesterol, malaria parasite and HIV.
He said there were also eye checks, prescription lenses, dental care, pharmaceutical services and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
The programme was held in collaboration with Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Ogun State Ministry of Health and the state Primary Health Care Board (PHCB).
Odugbesan said the Managing Director of SNG, Mr Ed Ubong, who was represented by the company’s Operations Manager, Niyi Salami, said the health programme was part of the many community-focused initiatives of Shell Companies in Nigeria.
Ubong said the programme was organised to support efforts of government at all levels to make life better for the people.
“The health and safety of the people are critical and we see our company as continuing to play a role in supporting the efforts of government to take promotive, preventive and curative healthcare to the people where they work and where they live.
“By ensuring quality state of health of public transport drivers including their sight, safety standard on our roads will be enhanced and this will help to reduce health-associated carnages on our roads,” Ubong said.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, , commended SNG for the health programme among its many other supports to the host community in Ogun State.
He also praised Shell Exploration and Production Company for its robust medical outreach programme in Ogijo, also in Ogun State.
Shell Regional Community Health Manager, Dr Akinwumi Fajola, who led the medical team, advised the drivers not to ignore early signs of health challenge.
He said this could help in prompt and effective management of hidden medical conditions by medical officers.
The programme was attended by representatives of the state Primary Health Care Board, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, Ado Odo/Ota Local Government and Community Development Associations.
