By Nkechinyere Ewa
Workers at the Abakaliki Rice Mill have received a major health boost as the David Umahi federal University Uburu, Ohaozara, Ebonyi state (DUFUHS) commenced free diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases at the bustling mill complex.
The university announced that the first 200 workers diagnosed with respiratory illnesses will receive complete treatment at no cost.
Jesse Uneke, (Professor) the Vice Chancellor of the university, disclosed this on Tuesday during the official launch of the Equi-Resp Africa Research Project at the rice mill, an event that featured free screening and treatment for respiratory and other health conditions.
The programme was organised by the Equi-Resp Africa Research Project and DUFUHS in collaboration with the Institute of Child Health (ICH), (AE-FUTHA),primary health care development agency and ministry of health in the state.
Professor Uneke described the Abakaliki Rice Mill as a critical driver of the economy of Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large, stressing that the health of its workers must not be overlooked.
He noted that the intervention was designed to improve the quality of life of operators and workers who labour daily to sustain rice production across the country.
According to him, free drugs have been secured for the first 200 individuals diagnosed with respiratory diseases, adding that not all workers are expected to have such conditions.
“We are here with our Equi-Resp Africa team to conduct screening. Anyone identified with respiratory disease will be treated free of charge. We have made arrangements for complete treatment for the first 200 people diagnosed,” he said.
He particularly highlighted the vulnerability of women working in areas with heavy rice dust, encouraging them to take advantage of the screening exercise.
Beyond treatment, the Vice Chancellor revealed that the project includes air quality monitoring within the rice mill environment to scientifically determine pollution levels and associated health risks.
He explained that data generated from the monitoring would provide credible evidence to guide government ministries in formulating context-specific policies to address peculiar health challenges in the rice mill industry.
“If you describe a place as polluted without data, it becomes difficult to design appropriate policies. We are here with air quality monitors to quantify the level of risk and generate information that will support effective interventions,” Uneke stated.
Also speaking, Director of the Institute of Child Health at AE-FUTHA, Professor Techla Ezeonu, said many rice mill workers suffer various respiratory conditions, making the outreach timely and necessary.
She noted that the team deployed diagnostic tools, including spirometry machines, to assess lung function and identify those requiring treatment.
According to her, the initiative is part of efforts to promote equitable access to healthcare for vulnerable working communities.
“They are working hard to feed the nation. It is important that we bring healthcare closer to them. For those diagnosed with faulty lung function, we have free medications available,” she said.
The outreach is expected to not only provide immediate relief to affected workers but also lay the foundation for long-term health policies tailored to the unique environmental conditions of the Abakaliki Rice Mill.