By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Over 500 civil servants have accessed free medical and surgical interventions through a healthcare initiative in Ebonyi State.
The program, executed through the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), is part of the ongoing Onwa Healthcare medical and surgical outreach.
The outreach, officially flagged off on Monday, September 30th, 2024 includes a range of specialized medical interventions such as hernia and fibroid surgeries, eye screenings, and the issuance of eyeglasses.
According to the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, 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.
Dr. Igwe revealed 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,” Dr. Igwe stated.
He further revealed that the initiative covers all financial risk protection, adding “this initiative provides financial risk protection and ensures high-quality care delivered by renowned consultants. It is a continuation of the governor’s vision to make healthcare accessible and affordable to all civil servants and their families,” Dr. Igwe emphasized.
At some of the hospitals visited, beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the life-changing care.
Some of the beneficiaries, who worked with the state ministry like Agwu Ehia Ugwumgba, who underwent eye surgery, and Okpoto Virginia Amaka, Juliana Abaa, Okike Chioma among others who had fibroid surgery, lauded the initiative.
They both revealed that they had no funds to embark on the surgeries but, through the governor’s healthcare initiative, were able to receive the treatments free of charge.
“We sincerely appreciate the governor for his magnanimity. Without this initiative, we would not have been able to afford the surgeries,” said Okpoto Virginia Amaka, corroborating remarks of many other beneficiaries.
At Little Seed and maternity Hospital, where some of the surgeries are also being carried out, some of the civil servants expressed deep gratitude for the initiative.
One of the 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.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi State, Prof. Ogugua Egwu commended the initiative, calling it a significant step toward restoring faith in governance.
According to him, “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.”
The Head of Service of Ebonyi State, Dr. Rita Mary Okoro lauded the initiative, calling it a milestone achievement for the Nwifuru administration.
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,” Okoro said.