More than 2,000 individuals from Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (LGA), Enugu State, received free medical care during an outreach organised by the council under the leadership of Obiora Obeagu, the Council Chairman.
In partnership with the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Nigerian Medical Association, and NEMEL Pharmaceutical Limited, the initiative offered free medical consultations, surgeries, and medications to underserved residents.
A team of over 50 doctors, 20 nurses, and 80 local health workers attended to the patients.
Addressing attendees at the event, Obeagu highlighted that the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access, in alignment with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision.
“Many of our people are suffering from treatable conditions but lack the means to access medical care. This outreach is our intervention as we work towards upgrading health facilities and await the completion of new primary health centres being established by the current administration.
“Our governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, is implementing improvements in primary health through the construction of Type II Primary Health Centres across the 260 wards in Enugu State, with Isi-Uzo having 11 wards, which translates to 11 new PHCs.
“However, I realised that while we are making these advancements, our people urgently need health interventions to address their current challenges, especially given the economic conditions they face. We cannot simply stand by and watch them suffer,” he stated.
The Chairman also mentioned that the Isi-Uzo Free Medical Committee will continue to organise such outreach events, with plans for larger initiatives in February and quarterly programmes across the LGA’s four Development Areas.
Dr Emeka Ogbuabor, Chairman of the Isi-Uzo Free Medical Committee, characterised the outreach as a crucial step towards improving healthcare for rural communities.
“We provided care to over 2,000 patients and performed various surgeries, including fibroid removals and lump excisions. Cases requiring urgent or advanced treatment were referred to higher-level facilities. This programme will be repeated quarterly in all development areas,” he remarked.
On her part, Onyinye Obeagu, wife of the local government chairman, explained that the outreach aimed to provide relief to hundreds of residents unable to afford healthcare.
“This inaugural event is designed to bring healthcare closer to our people. We are conducting various types of surgeries here. Many individuals cannot afford medical attention, and everything provided is free of charge.
“There are over 2,000 people here seeking various forms of medical assistance. The chairman does not want to delay action until the health centres are completed, as many health issues can worsen over time. However, with the governor’s initiatives across all healthcare levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary—better days are ahead for Ndi Enugu,” she said.
One beneficiary, Edwin Ede, whose daughter underwent a successful hernia surgery, expressed his gratitude.
“I couldn’t afford to take my daughter to the hospital, but the government stepped in to help. I am so grateful,” he said.
