Encomium As Ebonyi First Lady, EBSHIA Carry Out Free Medical Interventions

*Over 1,283 beneficiaries undergo free surgery on fibroid,hernia, glaucoma, uterine prolapse, others

By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki

In order to save lives and ensure quality healthcare delivery among Ebonyians, the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mary-Maudlin Uzoamaka Nwifuru in collaboration with Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), has flagged off the third phase of free medical interventions across the state where over 1,283 beneficiaries, out of joy and gladness,poured encomium on the free medical interventions that has restored them back to life.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abakaliki, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Igwe, stated that the programme was carried out in 47 hospitals across the state and covered eye surgeries, fibroid removals, hernia repairs, lung operations, and related medical interventions.

According to Dr Igwe, 626 beneficiaries received eye screenings and glasses, 113 underwent eye surgeries, 518 had hernia operations, 126 were treated for fibroids, while 13 benefited from lung surgeries.

He noted that all procedures were conducted free of charge by consultants and professors to ensure quality healthcare delivery.

He commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for prioritising the health sector and his wife, Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for enrolling them.

In a visit to the Pool of Bethsaida Specialist Hospital, Ndiagu-Ode, Umuakpu Ngbo in Ohaukwu LGA, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Kingsley Odo, represented by a senior nurse, Hannah Igwe, said that they have carried out surgeries on 101 patients, including 37 fibroid and 63 hernia cases, adding that 78 have been discharged, while others were still in the ward receiving treatment.

Expressing joy and gladness over the free medical interventions, a 38-year-old woman, Ifeyinwa Fortunate Odo, from Umuezoka Ngbo, who had a major fibroid surgery in the hospital, narrated her ordeal that she suffered pains and segregation for over 10 years, having no money to go for the surgery until the programme started.

The free medical intervention was confirmed in a fact finding visit on Tuesday by journalists to some of the 47 accredited health facilities where the various surgeries were performed across the state.

The beneficiaries who narrated their ordeal over the years from the sickness, appreciated Governor Francis Nwifuru, his wife, and EBSHIA for restoring their hope.

Other beneficiaries, including Innocent Nwafor, Paul Eze, Sunday Ofoke, Lawrence Aja Oge, Love Idenyi, Fabian Anguma, Eucharia Alaka, Martha Eze, Precious Onuigbo, Chiamaka Eucharia Sunday, among others who underwent surgeries for various categories of hernia, hydrocele, lumps, and fibroid, noted that they have suffered severely over the years before the free medical interventions came.

It would be recalled that the 1,283 beneficiaries were under the third phase of its medical and surgical intervention project, coordinated by the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) in partnership with Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), the pet project of the Wife of the state Governor, Mrs Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru.