The Ebonyi State Government has offered free medical and surgical services to 1,283 residents 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 projects of the Wife of the state Governor, Mrs Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abakaliki, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Igwe, said 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 him, 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.
Dr. Igwe 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 thousands of pregnant women and sickle cell patients into the state’s health insurance scheme.
“The Governor has ended medical tourism for our people and reduced catastrophic health spending. Healthcare is not charity; it is dignity restored, and every life touched is a destiny preserved,” Dr. Igwe stated.
During hospital visits, some beneficiaries expressed gratitude. Mr. Ewa Peter, who had lived with a hernia for years, said: “I can now walk freely without shame or pain. God bless the Governor and his wife for this intervention.”
Mrs. Nwekpa, a fibroid patient, said her marriage was restored after the surgery. “I carried fibroids for more than 20 years with no money for an operation. Today, I feel like a new woman,” she said.
Also, a 23-year-old glaucoma patient testified that she had been saved from imminent blindness. “Hospitals demanded over one million naira for surgery I could not afford. This programme restored my sight,” she said.
Dr. Igwe added that the intervention was part of activities marking the 29th anniversary of Ebonyi State, describing it as a milestone in expanding healthcare access for residents.
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