Friends of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, on Monday organised a medical outreach offering free fibroid, hernia and cataract surgeries to mark their birthdays.
The exercise began at the General Hospital, Enugu-Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.
While the free cataract surgeries, glaucoma screening and treatment are taking place at the Anambra State Specialist Eye Centre, Nise, the hernia surgeries are being conducted at the General Hospital, Umueri.
Speaking at the event, Dr Dozie Udeolisa, Chief Medical Officer, General Hospital, Enugu-Ukwu, said the outreach aimed to reduce the financial burden on patients requiring specialised medical care.
He said the programme also included free myomectomy for women with fibroids and ovarian cysts, as well as other surgical interventions at designated hospitals across the state.
According to him, fibroid surgery is often beyond the financial reach of many families, leaving patients to endure pain and complications for years.
He said: “This free surgery programme removes that barrier by providing treatment at no cost to beneficiaries.
“This initiative is a life-changing intervention for residents and I urge them to take advantage of it.”
Udeolisa said all registered beneficiaries underwent medical screening before being scheduled for surgery.
He said a team of experienced surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other healthcare professionals had been deployed to ensure safe and successful procedures.
According to Udeolisa, the duration of each surgery depends on the patient’s medical condition, as every case is different.
He described the turnout of beneficiaries as encouraging and commended Soludo and the Friends of the Governor for supporting the initiative.
He said the programme demonstrated compassion and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state.
Udeolisa also assured residents that the surgeries were completely free and that beneficiaries would receive quality medical care throughout the exercise.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms Chinyere Ikem, a trader, expressed gratitude to Gov. Soludo, his wife and the organisers for the initiative.
Ikem said she had lived with fibroids for years but could not afford the cost of surgery due to financial constraints.
“When I heard that the surgery would be done free of charge, I immediately registered. This programme has given me hope and a new lease of life.
“This intervention has lifted a huge burden from our shoulders and we pray that God will continue to bless everyone who made it possible,” she said.
It was also reported that Gov. Soludo will turn 66 on Tuesday, July 28, while his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, will turn 56 on Friday, July 31.
