Group Extends Free Surgery, Healthcare To 3,000 Indigents In Imo

A non-governmental organisation, Jennifer Etuh Foundation, has offered free medical care and surgery to more than 3,000 indigents, including persons living with disabilities, widows and children.

The scheme held at the Jennifer Etuh Medical Centre (JEMC), Umunoha, in the Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State, according to the organisers, was designed to provide access to quality and free healthcare services to people at the grassroots, especially the underprivileged and vulnerable.

The humanitarian outfit, according to the organisers, was established in memory of the late Mrs Jennifer Ramatu Etuh.

They  also revealed that some of the services provided at the healthcare programme include triage, general consultations, dental care, eye care, eye surgeries, general surgeries, obstetrics and gynaecology, laboratory and pharmacy, and health promotion.

Speaking with  Journalists, the Program Manager of the Foundation,  Joe Otu, stressed that the impact of the outreach is far-reaching and obvious,  while highlighting that the targeted beneficiaries have surpassed their expectations.

His words”On the first day of this programme, 586 individuals were attended to and they received 1,555 medical interventions. By day 2, the numbers grew to 780 patients with 1,763 interventions. In just two days, 1,366 lives were touched through 3,318 medical interventions.

“Our target is to reach  3,000 patients, and we are well underway as the momentum is undeniable.

The increasing numbers are reminders that while numerous lives are being touched, the need is still vast and the work is far from finished.

“Expectedly,  at the end of the 5-day outreach, a total of 3,127 patients were attended to and 7,548 medical interventions were provided. ”

Commenting on the impact of the outreach, the programme manager stated, “for instance, for those with eye problems, we have done 95 surgeries and offered medical interventions to 773 other eye patients. These are not surface-level engagements; the ratio of interventions to patients reflects comprehensive and patient-centered care.

“It signals that beyond access, quality and thoroughness remain at the core of delivery, ensuring that every patient is fully attended to and properly cared for. This is an important distinction in outreach models where volume can sometimes overshadow depth.”

“As we continue this life-changing work, we invite all stakeholders, partners, and well-meaning individuals to play a role in sustaining and scaling this impact. You can support by referring patients in need, amplifying this initiative within your networks, or contributing resources and expertise that will help us reach more people and ensure that no cry for care goes unheard and no life is left untouched.”

Most of the beneficiaries commended the foundation for the laudable humanitarian service and prayed for the sustainability of the health care delivery programme.