No fewer than 1,500 residents of Abia State are expected to benefit from a five-day free medical outreach organised by the state government in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA).
State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, disclosed this on Friday during a news conference in Umuahia, saying the exercise will take place from April 13 to 17.
Uche said the initiative aligns with Gov. Alex Otti’s healthcare agenda, aiming to strengthen partnerships with diaspora medical professionals to improve healthcare delivery and access.
He explained that the outreach is part of efforts to expand affordable, quality healthcare services and advance universal health coverage across the state.
About 25 doctors from the United States will participate alongside local medical personnel, providing consultations and surgeries. Services will include general medical consultations, gynaecological procedures, general surgeries, and eye surgeries for eligible residents.
The commissioner said at least 1,500 consultations and around 100 surgeries are expected during the outreach period.
The programme will also train 80 health workers on basic life support and emergency response to improve frontline healthcare delivery.
Uche further announced the Abia Healthcare Rebirth Initiative, aimed at promoting compassionate care, improved medical practice, and better service delivery among health workers in the state.
Coordinator of the ANPA outreach, Dr. Uloaku Ukaegbu, said preparations are complete, noting that over 250 people have already indicated interest in surgical procedures, pending final screening.
