By Emmanuel Ogbodo
The Sakinah Medical Outreach (SMO) and Medics Across Borders (MAC), in collaboration with the National Hospital Abuja (NHA), have committed N200 million to provide free medical treatment for over 100 indigent Nigerians, including life-saving surgeries for prostate issues, hernias, and kidney stones.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Prof. A’isha Ahmed Abubakar, Vice Chairman of SMO and a Public Health expert at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, said the six-day initiative aims to improve healthcare access for underserved Nigerians.
She noted that a team of Nigerian and international specialists is ready to deliver high-quality care at the National Hospital Abuja.
Abubakar emphasized that beyond relieving pain, the initiative seeks to restore dignity and offer a second chance at life.
Since its inception in 2009 under the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) and its transformation into an independent entity in 2017, SMO has facilitated over 13,000 life-saving treatments, investing more than N150 million in medical interventions.
The program will cover surgeries for urethral issues, prostate conditions, kidney stone removal, urinary system disorders, lipoma removal, male circumcision, and hernia repairs.
“These procedures will significantly reduce pain, disability, and life-threatening conditions affecting many in our communities,” Abubakar stated.
Prof. Matin Sheriff, Chairman of Medics Across Continents, praised the partnership and highlighted the introduction of innovative surgical techniques for kidney stones, a leading cause of kidney failure in Nigeria.
SMO Chairman, Dr. Salman Yusuf, and Dr. Olawale Badejo of the National Hospital Abuja, assured that the program would maintain high medical standards while fostering knowledge transfer among healthcare professionals to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
