The Conference of Afikpo Medical and Dental Doctors (CAMD) has successfully concluded a-four-day free medical outreach for its people as part of efforts to promote access to quality healthcare in the area.
The leadership of the health workers which comprises; Medical Doctors, Laboratory Scientists, Nurses from Afikpo local government area of Ebonyi said this is the second edition of the programme which started last year.
Dr Victor Uduma, Chairman of the association told newsmen in an interview at Mater Misericordia Hospital, Afikpo – venue of the event that the medical outreach was necessitated due to the current poor access to health facilities occasioned by the high cost of living across the country.
Uduma listed some of the Medical services rendered by the association to include: free medical consultations, eye surgery and glasses, gynaecological and genetial surgeries, dental care and daily health talks.
“This is part of our own social responsibilities for our people as Medical Practitioners.
“So, four the past three days we have availed ourselves to offer free medical care to our people. All we are doing here are free of charge for all patients.
“Yes, we embarked on this programme because we understand that they are so many of our people, who do not have the financial ability to have good medical care due to the high cost treetment.
“Here, we are ready to render free eye surgery and give out 600 eye glasses to those that have eye problems.
“Our target was to conduct 200 eye surgeries as well as 50 cataracts patients and we were able to achieve our goal. Those with critical conditions were also referred to the hospital for further treatment.
Declaring the programme open, Mr Timothy Nwachi, Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area of the State said the medical outreach was a welcome development his people in the community.
Nwachi pledged support to sustain the programme in the efforts to boost healthcare of the people.
“We need to make our people to be to have good health and promote health policy of qualitative healthcare of Ebonyi government. I commend the organiser of the outreach,” he added.
Also Speaking, Dr Donald Egwu, a member of the Organising Committee said the turnout of patients were encouraging and thanked the people for embracing the free healthcare services rendered by the association.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Grace Itor, hailed the organisers and thanked God for creating the opportunity for them to have the free medical treatment.
Another, beneficiary, Mr. Francis Oko Oti said the group’s intervention was timely consider the high cost of drugs occasioned by the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. “We cannot thank these Doctors and their team enough for their uncommon goodwill to our people. Afikpo and the rest of Ebonyi State whom they have impacted with their free services truly appreciate them. May God almighty replenish their sources”, he concluded.
