By Adewunmi Oluwaseun
The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (ARD-UATH), Gwagwalada, has trained 237 security officers in the Federal Capital Territory on how to effectively respond to accident and emergency victims.
The three-day capacity-building programme, held from June 18 to 20, targeted first responders and included 80 personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 117 from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and 40 officers from the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), all within the Gwagwalada Command.
In addition to the training, the association also provided free medical check-ups, screenings, and consultations to the officers as part of a comprehensive outreach.
Speaking at the closing event on Friday in Abuja, Dr. Adams Egwakhide, Chief of Staff and Chairman, Committee on Special Duties, said the initiative aimed to bridge the gap between frontline officers and healthcare access, while enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
“Many security personnel delay medical check-ups due to the pressures of their jobs. This outreach brings vital health services to their doorstep and promotes early detection and prevention,” he said.
Dr. Egwakhide noted that the outreach featured health education sessions and screenings for hypertension, viral hepatitis, breast and cervical cancer, among others.
He added that the doctors hope to extend similar interventions to underserved communities, markets, schools, churches, and orphanages within Gwagwalada.
ARD-UATH President, Dr. Adewale-Premiere Adeleye, who expressed satisfaction with the programme, said the training titled “How to Handle Accident/Unconscious Victims” was a timely response to the realities of Nigeria’s overstretched health system.
“With many healthcare professionals leaving the country, it’s crucial that first responders are empowered with basic life-saving skills to support emergency care on the ground,” he said.
Dr. Adeleye emphasized the importance of strong synergy between medical professionals and law enforcement, especially in emergency response scenarios.
The trained officers expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as impactful, timely, and essential to their line of duty.
