By Angela Oduche
Residents of Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State have continued to express gratitude following a free eye medical outreach sponsored by Hon. Maureen Gwacham under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The outreach, which commenced on May 8 and is expected to end on May 12, brought together residents from the five communities in Oyi Local Government Area — Nteje, Awkuzu, Umunya, Nkwelle Ezunaka, and Ogbunike, who gathered at Ogbunike Maternity Centre to benefit from the programme.
The medical outreach attracted a large turnout of beneficiaries from different communities within the constituency. Many of them described the initiative as timely and life-changing, noting that the free treatment and eye care services have brought relief to people who could not afford proper medical attention.
Some residents commended Hon. Gwacham for her commitment to the welfare of the people, stating that the outreach reflects the dividends of quality representation and people-oriented leadership.
Speaking during the programme, the Chairman of Vision Servers and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Camarah, who led a team of medical doctors handling the outreach, expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout of patients. He applauded Hon. Gwacham for organizing the initiative and for her dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of her constituents.
Also speaking, a nurse participating in the outreach, Mrs. Maduabum Ogochukwu, Officer-in-Charge (OIC), said the programme has restored hope to many residents suffering from different eye challenges. According to her, We have attended to over 1,000 patients with different eye conditions, and several successful surgeries have already been carried out. Many of these people could not afford treatment before now, so this outreach is making a great impact in their lives.
One of the beneficiaries who received free eye surgery, Mrs. Esther Iwuno from Nteje, expressed gratitude to the sponsor and the medical team for restoring her sight. “I had been battling with poor vision for years because I could not afford surgery. Today, I can see clearly again, and I am very happy. May God bless Hon. Maureen Gwacham for remembering the poor,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Christopher Mamuche, who also underwent free surgery, described the programme as a blessing to his family. “For about 15 years, I could not see properly and depended on people for assistance while walking. My condition kept getting worse, and I was almost losing hope. But after the surgery, I can now see clearly and move around without assistance. I sincerely appreciate the organizers and the doctors for this help,” he said.
The medical team also commended the government of Anambra State under the leadership of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for creating an enabling environment for healthcare and community development initiatives across the state.
The outreach featured eye examinations, consultations, surgeries, treatment, and distribution of medications to beneficiaries, with many residents, describing the programme as impactful and beneficial to the people.
Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
