The Nneka Chidoka Outreach Programme sponsored by the former minister of aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has said over 500 persons benefitted from free medical services it sponsored in Onitsha and Enugu, respectively.
The event is the third edition of the Foundation’s Medical outreach after it was launched by Chidoka on behalf of the family in May this year in honour of his mother Late Mrs Nneka Chidoka.
Recall that in July 2023 the foundation embarked on massive business support to small businesses in the state.
According to a statement by the media team of the outreach, the head of the medical team Dr Chinonso Nwosu said the event was informed by the need to extend quality medical care to the society at large and raise the awareness and consciousness of the deadly scourge of cancer which can be effectively managed by early detection.
Some of the beneficiaries of the medical intervention, Mr Ojinna Chukwuemeka and Miss Chisom Madu took turns to appreciate the philanthropic gesture of the former minister of aviation and appealed to other affluent persons in the society to borrow a leaf from Chief Chidoka.
Also speaking Mrs Chika Okolo who was diagnosed of cervical and breast cancer during a previous medical outreach organised by the Foundation, said she was currently receiving treatment on the bill of Nneka Chidoka Outreach Programme which came to her rescue in her time of desperation and hopelessness.
The statement added that out of the 478 persons in attendance, 275 women received free breast and cervical cancer screening, 85 men received free prostrate cancer screening, 186 persons received free eye glasses and drugs worth millions of Naira was distributed to the needy.
The interventions carried out by the foundation included: screening and treatment of cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and cryotherapy.
The team also embarked on surgical interventions on 4 hernia patients, ultrasonography, mammography and Xray of the spin among others.
Over 200 women benefited from the business grant.
In Enugu State, the programme held at Charity House in University of Nigeria(UNN), Enugu Campus.
The statement reads, “Over three hundred and fifty patients turned up for the medical outreach sponsored by the former Minister of Aviation, who was also the former Corps Marshall of FRSC, Chief Osita Chidoka.
“Some of those who benefited from the free surgeries performed today were among 275 women screened for various forms of cancer when the foundation held its free Cancer screening and medical treatment at St. John De Baptist Catholic Church, Odoakpu, Onitsha in Anambra State on Tuesday 29.
“Among the surgeries performed today are five Lumpectomy and
Surgical Repair of Umbilical Hernia on four patients.
“While six other patients were scheduled for Lumpectomy Thursday 31 August.
“Other cancer interventions held during the outreach include Mammogram and Ultrasound.
“Free glasses were given to one hundred and sixty two patients while free drugs were also given to patients after on the spot lab tests.
“Recall that similar intervention was carried out at Ozubulu and Obosi communities in Anambra State in May 2023, where no fewer than one thousand patients received free cancer screening and medical treatments.
“Nneka Chidoka Outreach Programme also empowered small businesses in Obosi in the month of July, where over two hundred market women received business grants.”
