Against the backdrop of the new phenomenon of Nigerians committing suicide and the outbreak of meningitis ravaging parts of the country, the Nigerian Air force has decided to introduce compulsory and periodic psychiatric tests for its pilots and ground personnel.
Towards this end, modalities have been put in place by authorities of the NAF to introduce the special periodic test to prevent cases of suicide.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar who made the disclosure in Lagos, noted that the NAF also moved against meningitis by vaccinating its personnel in the headquarters and other northern states were the disease is prevalent.
He said this is because the NAF cannot afford its personnel to get hit by the epidemic in view of intensive security operations NAF personnel are carrying out across the country.
Air Marshal bubakar, disclosed this at the presentation of accreditation certificate for 561 Aviation Medicine Department/ cancer awareness lecture held in Lagos on Thursday.
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Represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Yahaya, Abubakar said the service has started reviewing procedures and processes of entrance.
His words, “The NAF is reviewing procedures and processes of entrance to forestall incidences of suicide.
“At the higher echelon, they are looking at the issue from selection and recruitment so that people coming into the service would undertake psychiatric evaluation.
“They are also looking at paying closer attention to personnel.”
The Air Chief also commented on the special recognition of two of its doctors – Squadron Leader Joshua Danji and Wing Commander Alfred Ayodeji for professional excellence by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as certified Aero Medical examiners.
He said it was rewarding for the service to achieve the feat noting that the process commenced seven years ago.
According to the CAS, “We have been given certification to examine civil air crew.
“The two doctors that have been issued seal can give certified medical examination to air crew and it would be recognized internationally.”
END.
