Chris Chikelue
Anambra State residents have been exposed to an unexpected free medical trip as in marking the 66th birthday anniversary of the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo a group which came together as, ‘the Friends of Soludo’ is organizing free medical treatment especially to the elderly ones.
The statewide free medical outreach is to last for five days, from Monday, July 27 to Friday July31.
The incursion according to the organizers is, despite celebrating the governor as he turned 66 is also to affirm the governor’s people-centred healthcare policies in the state.
The Chief Medical Director of the Anambra State Specialist Eye Care Centre, Nise, Dr. Ifeanyi Obi handed this out during the flag-off of the outreach on Monday, July 27 explaining that the programme was designed to provide free medical services to residents in celebration of the Governor’s birthday.
He noted that while the Eye Care Centre is conducting free eye examinations and cataract surgeries as one of the ailments pinpointed for this exercise, other hospitals across the state are carrying out free hernia and fibroid surgeries.
The Health personnel said the Eye Care Centre is targeting at least 66 beneficiaries in honour of Governor Soludo’s 66th birthday, with an overall goal of treating 100 patients.
He explained that beneficiaries are receiving free cataract surgeries, pre-operative investigations, post-operative care, medications, diabetic eye care services and blood sugar tests at no cost.
The Chief Medical Director also acknowledged the support of the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, stating that the programme was organized through the Ministry of Health and coordinated by officials of the ministry, including the Desk Officer for the Technical Working Group on Eye, Ear and Other Sensory Organs.
He commended the commissioner for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the state.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Faith Ogbo, from Nise, Awka South Local Government Area, thanked Governor Soludo and the organisers for the free eye surgery initiative saying that she had battled with an eye defect for years but could not afford the surgery.
Mrs. Ogbo described the programme as life-changing, saying it has restored hope to people who could not afford the cost of treatment.
She commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obidike, the management of the Anambra State Specialist Eye Care Centre, Nise, and everyone who contributed to the success of the outreach.
According to the health workers, every aspect of this programme, from consultations, surgeries, laboratory investigations, medications and face masks are provided without any financial constraints on the recipients.
