Inspector General of Police IGP Mohammed Adamu has flagged off a new health scheme for Police Officers, aged 40 and above at the Force Headquarters, in Abuja.
The Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy/ Prostate Cancer Screening provides coverage for free prostate cancer screening as part of the welfare packages for men of the Force.
The 14 days cancer screening cum treatment programme is in partnership with the Stanley Medical Foundation and sponsored by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.
Survey over time has shown that a good number of Police Officers within that age bracket suffer from this cancer type.
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“Survey showed that the highest-ranking non-communicable diseases that Police Officers suffer from includes hypertension, diabetes. However, prostate cancer became prevalent among Senior Officer, especially after they have retired,” the Medical Officer, DCP Ogunsanwo said.
He added that the screening exercise is coming at the right time because early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.
Commenting on the official launch of the screening program, IGP Adamu said: “The nature of our work requires that we get medical attention constantly to know some of the diseases that can hinder us from performing our constitutional duties.
“When we constantly check ourselves, we can then take preventive measures so that the investments on us will not be in vain.
“It is a privilege to be in partnership with Stanley Medical Foundation in order to work with the Police and capacitate Police Officers in the area of medical awareness.
“The Force has received medical equipment that will help in taking care of our medical needs and in turn, we can serve the country better.”
IGP Adamu urged Officers to present themselves for screening, adding that it is free.