By Chika Eze, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assured delegates and members attending its forthcoming elective national convention of comprehensive healthcare services throughout the event.
The acting Chairman of the Medical Sub-Committee, Senator Ishaq Salman, gave the assurance during the committee’s inaugural meeting on Friday in Abuja.
Salman said the sub-committee had begun preparations to provide free medical services and emergency care for the estimated 6,000 participants expected at the November 15 convention in Ibadan.
He described the medical sub-committee as a vital and professional team, given the size of the expected turnout.
“Health is wealth. With that large number, we expect that there could be people with hidden ailments. The treatment and even the provisional drugs are going to be free for our members,” Salman said.
He added that the sub-committee plans to collaborate with at least two nearby hospitals to ensure prompt referral of serious cases.
“Any case that cannot be handled on the spot will be referred to other hospitals,” he explained.
Salman noted that the convention would also provide an opportunity for many delegates to check their health status, which could lead to early detection of medical conditions.
He further assured members that the sub-committee had adequate professional manpower, including doctors, nurses, medical scientists, and other healthcare experts.
The committee, he revealed, will soon embark on an assessment trip to Ibadan to inspect the existing facilities, including the clinic at Adamasingba Stadium, and determine what modifications are needed to meet the required standards.
The Secretary of the Medical Sub-Committee, Jonah Ogbaje, said the team was also collaborating with external partners such as the Red Cross, private hospitals, pharmacy outlets, and major laboratories to ensure a robust referral system for emergencies.
The Secretary of the Main Convention Committee, Senator Ben Obi, commended the medical sub-committee for its proactive measures and underscored its importance to the success of the convention.
“At conventions, given the large number of delegates, there are always incidents of minor or serious health issues. Your committee must remain alert round the clock to ensure that no delegate suffers any harm,” Obi said.