BY OBASA IDRIS OLUWANISHOLA
The General Hospital Somolu has joined the rest of the globe to celebrate “World Hypertension Day”, on the 20th of May, 2026.
The event, which was held at the hospital premises to raise awareness about high blood pressure, was done in conjunction with New Heights Pharmaceutical Company, makers of the Omron sphygmomanometer brand.
The Medical Director / Chief Executive Officer of GHS, Dr. Mustapha Adebola Quadri, while thanking Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the giant strides taken to bring quality health care to Lagosians especially in Somolu, emphasised the urgent need for people to go for regular screening to detect this silent killer, which affects an estimated 1.4 billion people globally.
He further advised the patients who came for medical screening to eat well and sleep well to curb the risk of having a heart attack as a result of the pressure on the body.
Also, the Apex Nurse, DNS Philomena Ihatorwhyte also recommended that people should go to the hospital often for early detection, while urging individuals and communities to act collectively against the world’s leading preventable cause of death.
The hospital’s consultant and family physician, Dr. Eunice Olawepo, who spoke with the media, also harped on the need for an urgent call for action by all and sundry since the “silent killer” typically presents no symptoms in most cases. “And if you are diagnosed, diligently take your prescribed medications as directed”, she said.
The Chairman, Committee on Outreach, DNS Sekinat Iretiola Olukoya, during the awareness creation session about the effect of the ‘silent killer’ on the people, also reiterated the need for them to go for constant check-ups, as hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.
In the same vein, the marketing manager of New Heights Pharmaceutical Company, Pharmacist Olakunle Osunlowo, along with the company’s product manager of Omron Brand, Mrs. Taiwo Oladitan, while donating some Omron Blood Pressure Monitors (sphygmomanometer) and other pharmaceutical products to the hospital for medical screening, advised the patients to routinely check their blood pressure at home.
They further instructed them to take precautions against any possibilities of being diagnosed by knowing their numbers, reducing the intake of salt, staying active, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
Similarly, the Secretary to the Local Government, Honourable Hector Ayodele Coker, who represented the Somolu Local Government Chairman at the occasion, was impressed by the number of people who turned out for the medical outreach.
The high point of the event was the free medical screening for malaria, diabetes, and hypertension. There were also free drugs for people who were diagnosed with malaria and hypertension.
The theme for the Y2026 Celebration, which is annually observed on the 17th of May, was “Controlling Hypertension Together”.
In a related development, the 20th of May was also the official opening of the hospital’s “Fast Track / Wellness Centre”.
It was officially declared open for public use by the Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Honourable Lateef Ashimi, represented by the SLG, Honourable Hector Ayodele Coker
The Chairman, who promised to do everything possible within his capacity to support the funding of the project, said: “The fast track clinic which will provide expedited, convenient medical care for non-life-threatening conditions, is a wholesome thing”.
According to him: “It will help to minimise wait times and streamline patient flow. The wellness centre will help bring together a multidisciplinary team of experts such as psychologists, dietitians, personal trainers, and health coaches to help the patients build a sustainable healthy lifestyle”, he added.
Members of staff later observed the monthly wellness check/exercise to keep their bodies, minds, and souls fit.
