582 Civil Servants Undergo Free Medical Surgeries in Ebonyi
Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
582 civil servants have accessed free medical and surgical interventions through a healthcare initiative in Ebonyi State.
The program, organiseed through the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), is part of the ongoing Governor Francis Nwifuru free medical program for civil servants known as Onwa Healthcare medical and surgical outreach.
Head of service of the state Rita-Mary Okoro flagged off the outreach on Monday, September 30th, 2024 in Abakaliki.
The services include hernia and fibroid surgeries, eye screenings, and the issuance of eyeglasses.
Divine Igwe, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA said the total number of cases identified for intervention is 582.
“These cases include hernia surgeries, fibroid surgeries, eye surgeries, the issuance of 225 eyeglasses, eye screenings for 278 individuals, as well as single cases of breast and finger lumps, scrotal screenings, blockage of fallopian tubes, fibroid screenings, and Hepatitis B”.
Igwe explained that surgeries began before the official flag-off date, with some of the operations already completed.
“Before September 30th, we had already started the surgeries, including fibroid, eye, and hernia surgeries. Prior to this time, we had completed 265 surgeries through Her Excellency’s program.
“By next year, we plan to extend this program to include free access to antenatal care and delivery services,” Igwe stated.
She urged civil servants to take advantage of the free medical and surgical interventions provided for them and their families.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment for both the administration and the civil servants of Ebonyi State. Today’s flag-off marks the beginning of a medical and surgical intervention that includes hernia and eye surgeries, among others.
“I urge all civil servants to take advantage of this opportunity for themselves and their families, especially children under 18 years. To whom much is given, much is expected, and I believe civil servants should reciprocate this gesture by being diligent and timely at work,”
Moses Ekuma Commissioner for Health in the state noted that it is only in Ebonyi State that the governor and wife is interested in the health of the civil servants describing the project as one of the best thing that have happened to Ebonyi workers.
“No civil servant in Ebonyi will die because he has no no money to go to the hospital.
The workers should thank the governor by going to the approved hospitals and not to patronize quacks because the government has invested heavily on the program”.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi State, Prof. Ogugua Egwu commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward restoring faith in governance.
“this is an opportunity for Ebonyi workers to get treated, smile home, and feel the impact of government. Governance must scale down to the people that need it the most. I must thank the governor for this initiative.
“Understanding the plight of the people and acting on it is something commendable. This action has touched more lives than he can ever imagine, and it is beginning to rebuild the trust between governance and the people.”
Nwenu Nicholas from the state ministry of justice, who benefited from the free medical outreach said he was sent to the little seed hospital and maternity where he was operated and his health condition restored.
He thanked the governor for the gesture pointing that he wouldn’t have been able to afford the money to carry out the operation.
Another beneficiaries, Nwinya Matthew Izuchukwu from Umuali in Ishielu LGA, shared his experience:
“Before now, I had been suffering from hernia for over seven years but couldn’t afford the surgery, which cost around 200,000 naira. When I heard about the governor’s gesture, I thought it was a joke, but I decided to visit the Ministry of Health. To my surprise, I was attended to immediately, and the process was smooth.
“I underwent hernia surgery at no cost, and the hospital management exceeded my expectations. The health insurance scheme took care of everything. I am beyond grateful,” he said