The David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), in partnership with the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), has commenced a two-month free medical treatment programme for patients who cannot afford quality healthcare.
The medical outreach is open to people of different age groups from Ebonyi State and other parts of Nigeria and is aimed at improving access to healthcare for less privileged patients.
Key Highlights
- David Umahi Teaching Hospital has commenced a two-month free medical treatment programme.
- The programme is being organised in partnership with David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS).
- The medical outreach is open to residents of Ebonyi State and people from other parts of Nigeria.
- Treatment will cover conditions including malaria, hypertension, diabetes, hernia and arthritis.
- Minister of Works David Umahi pledged to fund the first two weeks of the programme.
- DUFUHS staff contributed ₦10.5 million through the Health Endowment Fund to support the initiative.
- The programme will also provide clinical training opportunities for university students.
- Hospital management described the initiative as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to the host community.
David Umahi Teaching Hospital Starts Free Medical Treatment
The free medical treatment programme is being implemented by DUFUTH and DUFUHS as part of efforts to provide quality and affordable healthcare to people who may otherwise struggle to meet medical expenses.
The two-month programme is open to patients across different age groups, with beneficiaries expected to receive treatment for a range of common medical conditions.
The initiative is also designed to give students of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences opportunities for practical clinical training in a teaching hospital environment.
David Umahi Pledges Funding for Medical Outreach
The founder of both institutions and Minister of Works, David Umahi, has pledged to fund the first two weeks of the exercise.
Umahi said the initiative was in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
The funding is expected to support the initial phase of the free medical treatment programme.
DUFUTH Lists Conditions to Be Treated
Flagging off the programme, the Chief Medical Director of DUFUTH, Prof. Chihurumnanya Alo, described the initiative as part of the hospital’s Corporate Social Responsibility to its host community and surrounding areas.
He listed some of the medical conditions to be treated during the outreach as malaria, upper respiratory tract infections, hernia, skin and fungal infections, hypertension, diabetes and arthritis, among others.
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Alo urged members of staff to commit their time, expertise and resources to ensuring the success of the programme.
“Today we are flagging off the free medical treatment organised by both institutions. It is a collaboration that has come to stay, aimed at providing quality training for students and quality care for patients,” he said.
He added that the programme was intended to ensure that the communities served by the hospital and people beyond them could access quality and affordable healthcare.
DUFUHS Staff Donate ₦10.5 Million
The Vice Chancellor of DUFUHS, Prof. Jesse Uneke, described the collaboration between the two federal institutions as a significant initiative and part of their social responsibility to the host community.
Uneke disclosed that staff of the university collectively contributed ₦10.5 million through the Health Endowment Fund to support the programme.
He appealed to individuals and organisations to support the initiative and urged members of the public to share information about the medical outreach with people who may be unable to afford quality healthcare.
Free Medical Treatment to Support Poor Patients
Uneke said the programme would provide an opportunity for people who had never visited a modern hospital to access medical care.
“This exercise will open doors for those who have never stepped into a state-of-the-art hospital like this to come and enjoy quality healthcare,” he said.
The initiative is expected to benefit patients who require treatment but face financial challenges in accessing healthcare.
First Beneficiary Thanks Hospital Management
Mr Okoroafor Paul, identified as the first beneficiary of the free medical treatment programme, expressed appreciation to the management of DUFUTH and DUFUHS.
He commended the institutions for introducing an initiative aimed at supporting people who cannot afford quality medical care.
The two-month programme is expected to continue serving eligible patients while providing DUFUHS students with opportunities to gain practical clinical experience.
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