The third phase of the Medical and Surgical Intervention Project, initiated by the Wife of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, in partnership with the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), has provided life-saving healthcare services to 1,283 residents of the state.
The initiative, which underscores the “People’s Charter of Needs” mantra of Governor Francis Nwifuru, was designed to expand access to free surgeries and other medical care for indigent citizens across the state.
According to EBSHIA, the registration process was carried out across communities six weeks before commencement, with patients captured and enrolled for treatment. Hence, beneficiaries were later distributed to 47 hospitals, general, tertiary, and selected private facilities based on proximity to minimize transportation costs and ease access.
The official flag-off of the program, held at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, was attended by the Wife of the Governor, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, health stakeholders, and the management of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Jesse Uneke.
Breakdown of the intervention shows that 626 people received eye screening, 113 underwent eye surgeries, 626 were given eyeglasses, 518 had hernia surgeries, 126 had fibroid surgeries, and 13 women received breast lump removals.
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Testimonies from beneficiaries highlighted the life-changing impact of the project. Among them was a 23-year-old glaucoma patient who regained her sight after undergoing SLT eye surgery, as well as women who had lived with fibroids for years and men burdened with giant hernias who could not previously afford treatment.
Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, described the project as the most impactful health intervention in the state’s history, noting that it has restored dignity to families and revitalized public hospitals across Ebonyi. He expressed gratitude to Governor Nwifuru and his wife for their unwavering commitment to healthcare, as well as to the Commissioner for Health, EBSHIA Board members, and medical personnel who made the project successful.
“This mission is driven by passion and personal conviction,” Dr. Igwe said. “Healthcare is not charity, it is dignity restored. Every life touched is a destiny preserved.”
