By Stanley Nwako
Free fibroid surgeries have commenced at Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital as part of a medical outreach organised by the Friends of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo in honour of the birthdays of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo.
The programme, which offers free medical screening, treatment and surgeries to residents of Anambra State, is aimed at easing the financial burden on patients who require specialised medical care. The exercise covers free myomectomy for women with fibroids and ovarian cysts, as well as other surgical interventions in designated hospitals across the state.
Speaking during the commencement of the exercise, the Chief Medical Officer of Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital, Dr. Dozie Udeolisa, described the initiative as a life-changing intervention that is giving many women access to surgery they could not previously afford.
According to him, fibroid surgery is often beyond the financial reach of many families, causing patients to live with pain and complications for years. He noted that the free surgery programme is removing that barrier by providing treatment at no cost.
Dr. Udeolisa explained that Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital is one of the designated centres for the exercise, where women who successfully completed the registration and screening process are now undergoing surgery.
He said screening began before the commencement of operations, while a team of experienced surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other healthcare professionals has been mobilised to ensure safe and successful procedures.
The Chief Medical Officer noted that each operation is handled according to the patient's medical condition, stressing that there is no fixed duration for surgery because every case is different.
He described the turnout of beneficiaries as encouraging, adding that many women who had postponed treatment because of financial difficulties are now receiving the care they need without paying for the surgery.
Dr. Udeolisa expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo and the Friends of the Governor for supporting the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of compassion and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Anambra State.
The medical outreach also features free cataract surgery, glaucoma screening and treatment at the Anambra State Specialist Eye Centre, Nise, as well as free hernia surgeries at General Hospital, Umueri. Dr. Udeolisa encouraged eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing programme, assuring them that the surgeries are completely free and that patients will receive quality medical care throughout the exercise.
