As Muslims anticipate the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, the Lagos State chapter of prominent Islamic organisation, The Muslim Congress (TMC), has organised a medical outreach for its members and non-members to know their health status.
The outreach, which was held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at the TMC Dawah Center, Ijesha, Lagos, coincided with the organisation’s special Adhkaar for the month.
Ramadan fast, which is less than a month, has been made compulsory for all Muslims and one of the conditions required for fasting is sound health.
“That’s why we have organised this outreach for both our members and non-members today, to be able to prepare them for Ramadan,” the State Welfare Officer II of the Lagos chapter of TMC, Mr. Olaiya Abdulhafeez, told Muslim News, adding that the medical screenings conducted included blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood sugar, and H.pylori.
Speaking further, Mr. Olaiya said, “Once they are done with the tests, they are referred to doctors for complaints and receive medications as may be required without paying a dime.”
Inclusion of H.pylori test for ulcers
In his remark, the State Welfare Officer II said the inclusion of the H.pylori test for ulcers for this year’s medical outreach made it unique from previous editions.
“We understand that many may be oblivious to the fact that they have ulcers, and as Ramadan is already around the corner, we have to check them up. So, if anyone tests positive, we’ll administer some drugs to them,” he said.
The TMC official, who is also a Medical Laboratory Scientist at Ita-Elewa Primary Health Centre, Ikorodu, Lagos, said they recorded some controversies because some people were never aware they had ulcers until the test.
“Their assessment made us know that they have a history of ulcer, but they believe it has gone, but now it has manifested again that they still have it.
“Interestingly, the symptoms of chronic ulcers include back pain, leg pain, and general body pain. So, you’ll think it is normal fatigue or something similar.
“Ulcer will never come to mind. So, aside from the regular abdominal pain, unexplainable pain in the back, neck, and general body are manifest signs of chronic ulcers.
“The effects of these signs may debar a Muslim from fasting in the month of Ramadan. Ulcer could be a reason one would be exempted from fasting, and that’s why we’ve made provision for immediate treatment,” he said.
Mr Olaiya said some of the cases of high blood pressure are traceable to stress and lifestyle.
“I’ll advise on a general note that people take more water, do light exercises, eat healthy, and ensure moderation in preparation for Ramadan. These are tips that will help us stay fit in the holy month.”
He urged those diagnosed with an ailment to seek medical attention.
“We also have the daring issue of self-denial wherein you’ll diagnose some people for some ailments, and they’ll disbelieve, with claims that they don’t have in their family and what have you.
“If you are diagnosed with any ailment, please take your medication seriously. If you’re diabetic, ensure you eat healthily. If you’re a BP patient, take note of your intake of salt, Maggi, and soda. We should all maintain a healthy lifestyle so we can have a fruitful Ramadan,” he stated.
The program organized to sensitise, sustain Muslims’ health profile – Wali TMC Lagos
Wali of TMC Lagos, Mallam Tajudeen Yusuf Olusesi, said it is a usual practice of the Islamic organisation to organise medical outreach and sensitise their members and the general public ahead of the Ramadan fast.
“This is an opportunity for those who do not have the means to go to the hospital to have themselves checked. It is one of the many activities of TMC. It was on the agenda when this administration came in 2021,” he said.
The Wali described welfare as a key pillar in the five-point agenda of his administration, with others including da’wah for everyone, education, empowerment, and youth developmental projects.
“Welfarism has been one of our core concerns, and we’re committed to making our members and non-members across Lagos benefit from the programme.”
He said the essence of the programme is to sustain the health profile of Muslims, adding that medications have been provided for those who may need them.
… Urges affluent Muslims to spend on needy
TMC Lagos Wali, meanwhile, urged affluent Muslims to spend on the right course and reach out to the needy so that everyone can feel the impact of Ramadan.
“As a forward-looking organisation, we are conversant with the realities of this time, and we know how hard it is for many to feed. So, what we do to help in that regard is to buy food items in bulk and sell them to our members at giveaway prices.
“The people here today have the opportunity to free medical check-ups and medications and to buy the most sought-after food items at subsidised rates. It is what we’ve put together to make Ramadan memorable for members and non-members alike, according to our social solidarity,” he noted.
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