1,200 To Undergo Free Hernia, Fibroid Operations In Ebonyi

Wife of the Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has said a total of 1, 200 persons will undergo free hernia surgery for adults and children, fibroid for women, lump removal, eye screening and issuance of eyeglasses in the 3rd Phase of the free medical outreach initiated by her office.

Mrs. Nwifuru who is the founder of Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO) said her office through the pet project is committed to prioritising the health and well-being of Ebonyi residents through people-centred healthcare initiatives.

Speaking at the flag-off of the third phase Free Medical Outreach Programme, Mrs. Nwifuru expressed joy at the continued translation of the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda of the Governor, Francis Nwifuru, into tangible, life-saving interventions across the state.

She noted that the outreach is carried out in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA). “We are committed to the health needs of our people. In this 3rd Phase, we will carry out free hernia surgeries for adults and children, fibroid surgeries for women, lump removal, eye screenings, surgeries, and issuance of eyeglasses.

“This initiative is not just about free surgeries or health insurance cards. It is about restoring hope.

It is about giving back dignity. It is about ensuring that no Ebonyi woman, man, or child suffers needlessly because of financial barriers to healthcare,” she said.

She noted that many families silently endure health challenges such as hernia, fibroid, and poor eyesight, which, though treatable, often remain unattended to due to financial hardship.

“The outreach is designed to restore hope, give relief, and renew lives, particularly for women struggling with fibroids, children with hernia, and individuals with visual impairments.”

She urged beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity and register without fear or hesitation and assured them of the professionalism and dedication of the medical teams led by Dr. Divine Igwe, executive secretary of EBSHIA.

Mrs. Nwifuru commended all the partners and medical experts involved, describing them as “the instruments through which this vision becomes reality.”

The state commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, the executive secretary of Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Dr. Divine Igwe, and the vice chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUS), Prof. Jesse Uneke in their separate speeches commended Mrs. Nwifuru, for her outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery in the state.

Dr. Igwe said that over 600 persons will undergo eye screening adding that after the screening, they would not determine the number that will then go for the eye surgery.

“We have a total 656 persons that will come for eye examination and screening. We can’t determine the number that will be operated but all the people that will come for the screening will be given eye glasses free of charge,” he added.

He said that more beneficiaries were also enrolled into EBSHIA, adding that eye screenings and distribution of eyeglasses commenced shortly after the official flag off of the outreach.

“Apart from those enrolled today and the distribution of free eyeglasses carried out, other beneficiaries have also been booked for various surgeries at hospitals close to their residence.