By EMMANUEL OLONIRUHA

The People Democratic Party (PDP) has assured its members and delegates to its Nov. 15 elective national convention, scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State, of adequate healthcare services.

The acting Chairman of the convention Medical Sub-Committee, Sen. Ishaq Salman, gave the assurance at the sub-committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja on Friday.

Salman said the sub-committee had commenced preparations to provide free medical services and emergency care for the estimated 6,000 participants expected at the convention.

Salman, a medical professional with 45 years of experience, described the sub-committee as very important and professional committee whose function remained crucial, given the large crowd expected.

“Health is wealth. With that large number, we expect that there could be people with various ailments that are hidden.

“The treatment and even the provisional drugs are going to be free for our members. They don’t need to pay anything,” he said.

Salman said the sub-committee planned to identify and collaborate with at least, two hospitals close to the Adamasingba Stadium, venue of the convention.

“Any case that cannot be handled on the spot will be referred to hospitals,” he said.

He said the convention would afford many delegates the opportunity to check their health status, potentially leading to early diagnosis of hidden ailments, since “our people are not necessarily keen about finding out their health status.”

He assured members that the sub-committee had more than enough professional expertise to handle all emergencies.

“There are so many professionals. There are doctors, there are nurses, medical scientists, and so many other professionals. As for the manpower, there is no problem with that,” he assured.

He added that the sub-committee would embark on an assessment trip to Ibadan, shortly, to inspect the existing facilities, including the clinic available at the stadium, and determine necessary modifications to meet their needs and standards.

The Medical Sub-committee Secretary, Jonah Ogbaje, added that the sub-committee is collaborating with external agencies such as the Red Cross, private hospitals, pharmaceutical and large laboratory establishments to ensure a robust referral system for any complex situation.

The Secretary of the Main Convention Committee, Sen. Ben Obi, emphasised the importance of the sub-committee to the success of the convention, urging its members to be alert.

“At conventions, because of the large number of delegates that will turn up, there are always incidences of someone having a headache or any form of illness.

“It is your committee that will make sure that nothing goes wrong with any member of the PDP that will assemble in Ibadan for this convention.

“So, you can see that your subcommittee, has a duty to be at alert 24-7. You will not have time to even go to sleep, because you want to make sure that everybody around you is safe,” Obi said. (NAN)