Some Nigerian medical doctors have urged their counterparts living abroad to invest in medical charity initiatives in their home communities.
The call was made on Monday during a one-day medical outreach held for residents of Nnebukwu in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The annual yuletide outreach, organized by medical professionals and prominent sons of the community, aims to provide essential healthcare services and support to local residents.
Addressing reporters before the event, Dr Ifeomasinachi Chukwuma-Ogbonna said: “The medical profession is a compassionate one, hence the need to reach out to the less privileged, especially during the yuletide.”
The Romania-trained doctor emphasized the importance of well-meaning Nigerians, particularly medical professionals, supporting government efforts to provide healthcare for underserved populations.
“Governments alone cannot meet all medical needs. Initiatives like this require collaborative efforts to provide free consultations, surgeries, laboratory tests, medications and other essential services,” Chukwuma-Ogbonna added.
Dr Fine Uzoka-Akubueze, a Port Harcourt-based medical practitioner, said over 500 residents benefited from the outreach. He noted that while some cases were minor, patients requiring further care were referred to appropriate facilities.
Mrs Nnepma Okonkwo, an optometrist based in Saudi Arabia, expressed satisfaction that no cases required surgery. “We were prepared for all scenarios, but most cases only needed glasses or eye supplements. We also provided medications to support vision improvement and general eye care,” she said.
She added that the team was pleased with the turnout, especially among children, and plans to expand the outreach in future years by involving more specialists and providing additional medications.
The 2025 outreach, held at the Nnebukwu Town Hall, was sponsored by Mr Desmond Okonkwo, an engineer and distinguished son of the town.
Services provided included free blood pressure and blood sugar checks, eye tests with glasses distribution, health education, and treatment for various ailments. The medical team comprised doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and other healthcare professionals.
