Rivers State University Begins Free Annual Medical Checks for Staff June 3rd 2025

Rivers State University Begins Free Annual Medical Checks for Staff June 3rd 2025

Rivers State University (RSU) is set to launch its free annual medical checks for all staff members on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025. This initiative is a testament to the university's commitment to fostering a healthy workforce, as emphasized by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that during the first edition of the Walk for Life in March 2025, which he superintended over as Vice-Chancellor, he promised to expand the scope of the initiative in terms of participation and benefits. He said that in April 2025, the announcement of free annual medical checks was made and that all necessary arrangements are now in place to begin implementation.

The free medical check-up is in line with the University's desire to have a healthy workforce in pursuit of workers' welfare. The Vice-Chancellor said provisions have also been made for referrals in cases where further medical investigation is required.

The May edition of Walk for Life received support from GOLDASHE United Football Club, and the Vice-Chancellor has called on other stakeholders and corporate organizations affiliated with the University to identify with the initiative in future editions. He also reminded students of the NELFund opportunities provided by the Federal Government, stressing that with NELFund, the challenge of deferment or withdrawal from the University on financial ground should be over.

The Director of the Health Services Department, Dr. Dagogo Cookey-Gam, said that staff whose birthdays fall within the week of June 1st to 7th, 2025, will be the first beneficiaries and that they will receive text message notifications inviting them to the Medical Centre for the medical checks. However, staff members who have not completed their pre-employment medical examination of fitness will be required to do so before benefiting from the free annual medical checks.

The medical checks will be conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with staff members scheduled according to their birth week. Dr. Cookey-Gam stated that the medical checks would not be conducted daily due to the nature of some group-based tests.

During the event, Dr. Priye Olise delivered a health talk on the importance of sleep, highlighting its role in maintaining cardiovascular health and repairing tissues and muscles. He emphasized the need for good sleep hygiene and seeking medical advice if sleep problems are suspected. "While sleep needs vary, most adults require an average of seven hours per night, although some genetically require less. As people age, their sleep needs generally decline," Dr. Olise said.

The President of GOLDASHE United Football Club, Chief Dr. ThankGod Mark, commended the university for initiating the Walk for Life exercise and pledged to continue collaborating with the institution to sustain the program.

By launching this innovative approach to staff welfare, RSU prioritizes the health and well-being of its workforce, setting a shining example for others to follow.