By Stanley Nwako
Residents of Anambra State have continued to benefit from Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo's people-centred healthcare policies as friends and well-wishers of the Governor organized a statewide free medical outreach to mark his 66th birthday.
The Chief Medical Director of the Anambra State Specialist Eye Care Centre, Nise, Dr. Obi Ifeanyi, disclosed this during the flag-off of the outreach, explaining that the programme was designed to provide free medical services to residents in celebration of the Governor's birthday.
He noted that while the Eye Care Centre is conducting free eye examinations and cataract surgeries, other hospitals across the state are carrying out free hernia and fibroid surgeries.
Dr. Obi Ifeanyi said the Eye Care Centre is targeting at least 66 beneficiaries in honour of Governor Soludo's 66th birthday, with an overall goal of treating 100 patients.
He explained that beneficiaries are receiving free cataract surgeries, pre-operative investigations, post-operative care, medications, diabetic eye care services and blood sugar tests at no cost.
According to him, the outreach is sponsored by friends, supporters and well-wishers of Governor Soludo who were inspired by his leadership and commitment to improving the lives of Ndị Anambra.
He added that the initiative reflects the Governor's "Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya" philosophy by ensuring that residents suffering from preventable blindness, hernia or fibroids have access to free treatment.
The Chief Medical Director also acknowledged the support of the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, stating that the programme was organized through the Ministry of Health and coordinated by officials of the ministry, including the Desk Officer for the Technical Working Group on Eye, Ear and Other Sensory Organs. He commended the Commissioner for his commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the state.
Dr. Obi Ifeanyi urged residents to embrace healthy living in line with the Healthy Living Initiative championed by the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, stressing that maintaining healthy lifestyles would help preserve good eyesight and overall well-being.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Faith Ogbo, who hails from Nise in Awka South Local Government Area, thanked Governor Soludo for the free eye surgery initiative. She said she had battled with an eye defect for years but could not undergo surgery because of financial constraints.
Mrs. Ogbo described the programme as life-changing, saying it has restored hope to people who could not afford the cost of treatment.
She also appreciated the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, the management of the Anambra State Specialist Eye Care Centre, Nise, and everyone who contributed to the success of the outreach.
Dr. Obi Ifeanyi emphasized that every aspect of the programme, including consultations, surgeries, laboratory investigations, medications and face masks, was provided completely free of charge.
He congratulated Governor Soludo on his 66th birthday and prayed for continued wisdom, strength and good health for the Governor and the First Lady as they continue to serve the people of Anambra State.
