By Ebele Egoh
Residents of Nanka and neighbouring communities have benefited from a one-day free medical outreach organised by the management of Ofuobi General Hospital, Nanka, as part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.
Speaking during the outreach on Oct. 2, the Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, encouraged residents to make regular use of the hospital, assuring them that qualified health professionals are available to provide appropriate care.
He cautioned residents against patronising unqualified practitioners, noting that seeking treatment from untrained providers could put their health at risk.
Ifeanaeme urged pregnant women to take advantage of the Anambra State Government’s free maternal healthcare programme, which covers antenatal care, delivery and Caesarean section.
“The State Government has made antenatal care, delivery, and Caesarean operations free for all pregnant women. I encourage the people of Nanka to benefit from this programme,” he said.
He advised beneficiaries to view the outreach as an opportunity to connect with the hospital and continue seeking professional medical care whenever necessary, rather than waiting for occasional outreach programmes.
The Medical Officer in Charge of Ofuobi General Hospital, Dr. Evaristus Iloka, said the exercise was designed to educate residents about available medical services, encouraging them to seek early treatment for common health conditions.
Iloka explained that some illnesses that residents may consider serious or life-threatening can be effectively managed at the facility, including conditions locally referred to as “enyi ure” and related ailments.
He described the outreach as the hospital’s way of appreciating the host community for its continued support and cooperation, while extending healthcare services to residents, particularly those who may face financial barriers to accessing care.
“This initiative is our way of giving back to the community and ensuring that even the less privileged have access to free medical services,” he said.
Some beneficiaries, including Mr. Charles Ezeilo and Mr. Uchechukwu Ogamba, expressed appreciation to the hospital for bringing free medical services closer to residents.
They said the exercise provided relief to many people, expressing confidence in the quality of care available at Ofuobi General Hospital, pledging to continue making use of its services.
$Ebele Egoh is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State*
#HealthcareForAll
#Nanka
#AnambraRising
