Abia State partners US doctors to offer free surgeries and medical care to 250 residents in a major healthcare outreach in Umuahia.
From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has announced a large-scale free medical outreach aimed at improving healthcare access for indigent residents across the state. The initiative, which is being carried out in collaboration with United States-based medical practitioners, is expected to benefit about 250 people through free consultations and surgical procedures.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya-Uche, revealed that the outreach will take place at Abia General Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Center, Umuahia. He explained that the program is designed to deliver quality medical services at no cost to vulnerable citizens.
According to the Commissioner, a team of 25 US-based doctors will work alongside local healthcare professionals to provide specialized treatments. The medical team will focus on eye surgeries, gynecological procedures, and the management of complex dietary-related health conditions. The initiative aims to carry out at least 100 successful surgeries during the outreach period.
In addition to patient care, the program will also include capacity building for healthcare workers. About 80 medical personnel in the state are scheduled to receive training on basic life support techniques, equipping them with essential skills to handle emergency situations effectively.
Professor Ogbonnaya-Uche emphasized that the outreach aligns with the government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable and high-quality healthcare, as well as advancing universal health coverage in Abia State.
As part of the program’s broader health education efforts, participants will also attend lectures on sexual and reproductive health. Protective materials will be distributed to promote safe practices and support healthier lifestyles among residents.
The Director General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ABSACA), Dr. Uloaku Emma-Ukaegbu, who also serves as the local team coordinator, confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been finalized to ensure the smooth execution of the outreach. She added that registration is still ongoing, encouraging more residents in need of medical care to take advantage of the opportunity.
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This initiative underscores the state government’s proactive approach to improving public health outcomes and strengthening healthcare delivery systems through strategic partnerships.
