NMA renders free medical services to over 500 indigent Abians

Over 500 Abians of various ages from Obingwa Local Government Area of the State and its neighbouring LGAs have benefited from a two day free medical outreach carried out in the local council by members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State chapter.

The exercise which took place at Mgboko General Hospital was carried out by medical doctors of different specialties who are also members of the association in the state.

According to the organizers, it is part of the activities of the association to join their counterparts across the country to mark the 2018 Physician week with the theme “Universal health coverage”.

It was gathered that the medical doctors, apart from providing free counseling services for the patients, also performed 40 surgeries on patients with fibroid, Hernia (adult and children) and on various masses(swellings in different parts of the body).

Others received dental care while over 100 eye glasses were given out to some of the patients with visual challenges after they had undergone eye examination by the eye specialists in the team.

In an interview, the leader of the team and chairman of NMA in the state, Dr. Mrs. Dr Ejiro C. Iwuoha said that that the outreach which would be a quarterly event is a way NMA is assisting indigent persons in the rural communities have access to health Care and to also assist the state government in strengthening the secondary health system in the state, particularly Obingwa LGA.

Iwuoha who commended the team of medical doctors that participated in the exercise for their dedication and hard work, identified Malaria, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, diabetes, fibroid, hernia, amongst others as some of the prevalent illnesses and diseases in patients that were screened.

The Abia NMA chairman who attributed poverty and ignorance as the major reason why people suffer ulcer, hernia among other diseases and illnesses, however advice people to ensure that they take their health more seriously and to always seek healthcare from health facilities where there are qualified caregivers instead of patronizing quacks who would make their situation worst and most times put the lives of innocent Nigerians in danger.

She also called on the government of Abia State to expedite action on the implementation of Health Insurance Scheme for the residents of the state, stressing that it is the sure way of achieving Universal health coverage.

Other office holders elected to serve with Iwuoha are Dr Ezinwa Ezuruike (Vice Chairman), Dr. Joachin Umenwa (Secretary), Dr. Davis Orunta (Asst. Sec), Dr. Mercy Enyinwa (Treasurer), Dr. Chidi Emelike (Financial Sec), Dr. Nonso Ifediora (PRO) and Dr. Odochi Ewurum (Welfare Secretary) and they were among some of the medical doctors that participated in the exercise.