The Anambra State Government has commenced free hypertension screening services across all public health facilities in the state as part of efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve early detection of non-communicable diseases.
The directive, issued by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, mandates all government-owned hospitals and health centres to provide free blood pressure screening services to residents.
Announcing the initiative, the State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, said the programme is designed to improve public health outcomes through early detection and effective management of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.
According to Obidike, the free screening exercise will be available in all Primary Healthcare Centres, Comprehensive Health Centres and General Hospitals across Anambra State.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at ensuring residents have easy access to regular blood pressure checks and timely medical advice.
The commissioner described hypertension as a major public health challenge, warning that it is often called a “silent killer” because it can develop without obvious symptoms while increasing the risk of severe complications.
Obidike listed complications of uncontrolled hypertension to include stroke, kidney failure, visual impairment, heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
“The initiative is aimed at improving public health outcomes through early detection and effective management of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases,” he said.
He added that the programme aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s healthcare agenda, which prioritises equitable access to quality healthcare and reduction of preventable diseases.
The commissioner further directed medical officers, primary healthcare coordinators and heads of public facilities to ensure full compliance with the directive.
He urged residents to take advantage of the free services by visiting the nearest public health facility to check their blood pressure status.
Obidike stressed that early detection remains one of the most effective ways of preventing hypertension-related complications.
