By Stanley Nwako
Beneficiaries of the Anambra State Government's free surgery programme have expressed profound appreciation to Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo for providing life-changing medical interventions at no cost through the Friends of Soludo initiative.
At Umueri General Hospital, beneficiaries who underwent free hernia surgeries praised Governor Soludo for easing their financial burden through the healthcare intervention organised to mark his 66th birthday. They described the programme as a timely initiative that restored hope to many families who could not afford the cost of surgery.
One of the beneficiaries, Elder Sunday Odogwu from Awkuzu, who underwent a successful hernia surgery, described the medical care he received as exceptional. He said the operation was carried out by experienced specialists and that he was grateful for the opportunity to receive treatment free of charge.
"I am sincerely grateful to Governor Soludo for giving people like me this opportunity. The treatment I received was excellent, and I pray God continues to bless him," he said while congratulating the governor on his 66th birthday.
Mrs. Nkiruka Nweke from Oyi Local Government Area, whose son successfully underwent a free hernia surgery, said the programme came as a huge relief to her family because they could not afford the cost of treatment. She also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for personally supervising the exercise to ensure its success.
Also speaking, Mr. Nwoko Nicholas from Umuchukwu in Orumba South Local Government Area, who underwent a successful hernia surgery, said the sickness had placed a heavy financial burden on him and his family for years.
He thanked Governor Soludo for including free surgeries among the activities marking his 66th birthday, describing the intervention as life-changing and one that restored hope to his household.
At the Anambra State Specialist Eye Care Centre, Nise, beneficiaries who underwent free eye surgeries also commended Governor Soludo for expanding access to quality healthcare across the state.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ogechi Dunu, expressed heartfelt gratitude after undergoing a successful eye surgery. She said she had lived with the eye condition for a long time but was unable to seek treatment because of financial challenges.
According to her, hearing about the free surgery programme brought renewed hope, and she was overwhelmed with joy when she was selected to benefit from the initiative.
"I had lived with this condition for a long time, but I could not afford the surgery because of financial difficulties. When I heard about the free surgery programme and was given the opportunity to receive treatment, I was overjoyed. Today, I have successfully undergone the operation, and I return all the glory to God.
I sincerely thank Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo for this wonderful initiative. May God continue to bless him for giving people like me a new lease of life," she said.
The beneficiaries collectively prayed for God's continued guidance, wisdom, good health and long life for Governor Soludo as he continues to implement people-centred healthcare programmes aimed at improving access to quality medical services across Anambra State.
