Free diabetes testing camps debut in Lagos

Indian Cultural Association in Lagos and Bhojraj Chanrai Foundation has imported a technology worth about $40,000, for free non-invasive early detection of diabetes among Nigerians.

Sanjay Jain, the president of the association, told journalists in Lagos that the technology was meant to facilitate the operations of the association’s newly established Free Diabetes Detection camps in Lagos.

“This new technology machine has been bought and imported to Nigeria, at the cost of $40,000. And, it is the only non-invasive detection system so far, with simple scanning test.

“We have found out that type 2 Diabetes is the commonest in Nigeria today, and that more than six million people in Nigeria, currently have diabetes. Medical findings have shown that Nigeria, unfortunately, currently has the highest mortality rate from diabetes,” he said.

He said the association and the company were worried at the number of Nigerian lives that had been lost to the manageable disease.

The president said that Indians have discovered that the high mortality rate from diabetes in Nigeria was due to improper diagnosis and expensive nature of its management.

He said with the new technology, it would become easier and more accessible for more people to be diagnosed and be counselled on how best to manage diabetes free of charge.

Jain said that the benefits of the new system include early detection, no drawing of blood, quick test within 6 seconds, no fasting or pre-conditioning, different from traditional diagnostic methods and immediate test results.

The president of the Indian charitable organisation enjoined the public, especially those living in Lagos State, to avail themselves of the free diabetes testing scheduled for March 18 and March 25, at No. 2 Capa Avenue, Palmgrove Estate, Ilupeju, from 10am to 2 p.m.