By Emmanuel Ogbodo
A transformative medical outreach in Abuja has brought relief to thousands of indigent residents, offering free surgeries and healthcare services.
Among the beneficiaries was Justina Okere, a Suleja resident, who had over 100 fibroids removed in a groundbreaking procedure after enduring 15 years of infertility and chronic pain.
The outreach, spearheaded by Silver Cross Hospital in partnership with Everight Healthcare Foundation, Tulip Eye Hospital, Nigerian Red Cross, and Sam Clef Foundation, delivered free medical services to 8,000 individuals.
Surgeries performed included fibroid removal, hernia repair, breast cancer treatment, lipoma removal, and caesarean sections, benefitting 25 patients.
Okere’s brother, Anthony Nwopara, shared the emotional journey: “She has been married for 15 years without conceiving and suffering constant pain.
Financial challenges made surgery impossible until now. Today, the pain is gone, and there’s renewed hope for her to conceive.”
Dr. Patrick Ezie, Chief Medical Director at Silver Cross Hospital, led Okere’s surgery and expressed optimism about her future. “We removed over 100 fibroids and repaired her womb.
She has a strong chance of conceiving in the next few months,” he revealed. Dr. Ezie also highlighted the financial relief provided by the outreach, noting that such surgeries typically cost between N800,000 and N1.5 million.
The outreach extended beyond surgeries, offering free consultations, eye treatments, and medications. Retired teacher Idu Nze, who received hernia surgery, applauded the initiative: “I am immensely grateful. I couldn’t afford the medical bills before. This act of kindness is inspiring.”
Another beneficiary, who had delayed surgery due to an unaffordable N100,000 bill, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “This surgery has saved my life. The care was exceptional, and I hope the organizations continue this noble work.”
The six-day outreach covered Kubwa, Bwari, Jikwoyi, and Jiwa communities. Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika, AMAC/Bwari Representative, commended the organizers, emphasizing the initiative’s impact on community development.
This medical outreach underscores the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing healthcare disparities and providing life-saving services to underserved populations.
