Abakaliki, Nigeria – The Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally-Displaced Persons (BERWO) Foundation is in partnership with the Ebonyi Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) have launched a free medical and surgical interventions targeting
1,283 patients across Ebonyi state.
Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, Wife of Gov. Francis Nwifuru and founder of the foundation, said the programme would address various health conditions such as hernia surgeries for adults and children, fibroid surgeries for women, breast lump removal, eye screening and issuance of eye glasses.
Mrs Nwifuru made this known on Monday in Abakaliki during the inauguration of the free medical and surgical interventions, the third in the series of interventions.
She said “Today marks the third phase of registration for free hernia surgeries. It is a people-centered health programme that has continued to transform lives across our communities.
“The initiative is about restoring hope, giving back dignity, medical attention to live healthier and ensure that women, men and children do not suffers because of financial barriers to healthcare.
“The programme offers women with fibroid an opportunity to pursue their dreams of motherhood, and those with hernia and eye challenges a step towards freedom,”Mrs. Nwifuru said.
The governor’s wife urged residents to take advantage of the opportunity as the programme is carefully planned and powered by EBSHIA in collaboration with medical professionals who are committed to giving the best care.
She thanked EBSHIA, led by Dr Divine Igwe, and some medical experts for their dedication and sacrifice.
In his remarks, Igwe disclosed stated a total of 1,283 patients across the state had been identified for treatment.
“Out of this figure, 657 will benefit from surgeries and 626 will undergo eye screening; receive medicated eye glasses and, where necessary, undergo corrective eye surgeries,” he asserted.
Igwe described the intervention as “testament of commitment to residents of the state”.
He appreciated Mrs Nwifuru for her relentless efforts in health and commended Gov. Nwifuru’s commitment in providing accessible healthcare under his administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda.
“Every life touched is a story of hope restored, family strengthened and community uplifted,” Igwe said.
He noted that Mrs Nwifuru had sponsored surgeries for scores of children and adults, eye treatments, issuance of medicated eye glasses and enrolled scores of pregnant women into health insurance schemes.
She has also offered health insurance schemes to sickle cell warriors and extended coverage to elderly people.
The state Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, explained that the current phase is being carried out in collaboration with BERWO.
The Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) Uburu in the state, Prof Jesse Uneke, commended Mrs Nwifuru for her impactful health programmes to address health conditions of the vulnerable in the state.
Uneke promised that the institution would continue to support her foundation.
Mrs Onyemaechi Ogodo, on behalf of Beneficiaries, commended the organisers for the free medical outreaches to those facing financial hardship, enabling them to access treatment and medication.
The programme will also conduct checks on blood pressure, diabetes and give out reading glasses.
