Maduako Igbokwe l Monday, November 14, 2022
UMUAHIA, Abia, Nigeria – It was jubilation galore in Umuahia, Abia State recently when more than 5000 Abians received free medical treatment from Prof Gregory Ibe Free Medical and Surgical Outreach.
The free medical treatment was a continuation of the 2022 edition of the annual health intervention programme of Prof Ibe, which was momentarily put on hold on 4 September 2022 after covering 24 centres in the 3 senatorial zones of Abia state.
According to data collated during that first phase of the exercise, a total of 12,072 patients who presented diverse health challenges received various medical intervention ranging from appropriate diagnosis, medical procedures and drug administration.
During the period , 5,683 eye patients were treated and given glasses. Determined to extend the exercise to the yet to be covered communities, the current phase started in Afugiri Ohuhu in Umuahia North Local Government Area and moved to Amandioru in Ikwuano Local Government Area before moving to Uzuakoli and Itumbuzo in Bende Local Government Area.
Thereafter, it was the turn of Isuochi, Nneato, Lokpanta and Umuchieze communities in Umunneochi Local Government Area , as the dedicated team of 60 member medical personnel moved from one community to another, freely delivering critical health intervention to many.
One of the beneficiaries, at the Uzuakoli centre, Ngozi Eke commended the Prof Ibe free medical exercise, stating that this the first time she has received drugs and glasses without paying anything.
Another beneficiary, Sir Nick Etim, a retired civil servant from Itumbuzo prayed that God should bless Prof Ibe the more for initiating such a “life-saving health intervention that has brought succour to poor people without charge.
However the exercise was complemented with distribution of branded aprons for traders in markets within each community of coverage, while commuters had the pleasure of being transported home with buses in the fleet of Prof Gregory Ibe Free Bus Scheme.
