The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (ARD-UATH) has trained 237 security officers in emergency response skills to address Nigeria’s healthcare workforce challenges.
The three-day program (June 18-20) equipped personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (80), Nigeria Police Force (117), and Directorate of Road Traffic Services (40) with life-saving skills for handling accident victims.
Dr. Adams Egwakhide, Chief of Staff, said the initiative bridges gaps between frontline officers and healthcare access. “Many security personnel delay medical check-ups due to work pressures. This outreach brings vital health services to their doorstep,” he stated.
The program included free medical screenings for hypertension, viral hepatitis, and cancer alongside the emergency response training.
ARD-UATH President Dr. Adewale-Premiere Adeleye emphasized the training’s importance given Nigeria’s brain drain. “With healthcare professionals leaving the country, first responders must be empowered with basic life-saving skills,” he said.
The officers praised the initiative as impactful and essential to their duties. ARD-UATH plans to extend similar programs to underserved communities, markets, schools, and churches in Gwagwalada.
