By Ngozi Nwoke
Expectations are high in Enugu State for the second part of a free medical outreach programme targeted at vulnerable groups and patients with critical medical cases. No fewer than 465 patients benefitted in the first stanza, where patients with appendicitis, hernia, fibroids and other life-threatening diseases were treated at no cost. The free medical mission is in support of the good work of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, especially in improving life expectancy in the state.
The leader of the medical team, Dr. George Ajogwu, told Daily Sun that the programme has been enlarged to accommodate more beneficiaries across communities in Enugu State. He said the exercise would commence on Easter Monday at Oda Nimbo Health Centre in Uzo-Uwani LGA. According to him, the humanitarian exercise would cover free surgeries, consultation, treatment and medication to patients.
Ajogwu, who bagged a humanitarian service award by the Coalition of Youths in Enugu North, said the exercise was launched last year to support the good works of the Ugwunayi administration, especially in the area of grassroots health programme targeted at vulnerable families in the state.
He said, “The success recorded in the first batch of the exercise helped in reducing mortality rate among vulnerable groups in Enugu State.”
He noted that the free medical exercise provided a lifeline for those that resort to local herbs and self treatment for fear of high medical bills in recognised hospitals and medical centres.
Ajogwu scored Governor Ugwuanyi high on the delivery of democratic dividends to the people, stressing that medical centres across the state have been revived and equipped to cater for the health needs of Enugu people. He commended Ugwuanyi for giving deserved attention to primary and tertiary health care in the state. He noted that the establishment of a state medical university was a clear demonstration of the importance the Ugwuanyi administration attached to the health sector and wellness of the people.
Ajogwu said most of the surgeries done in the first batch of the exercise were performed in health centres, which confirmed the fact that Ugwuanyi has revived the health centres in the state. He described Ugwuanyi as a living saint with an unblemished record in governance. According to him, “Ugwuanyi’s legacy projects in the state would remain indelible in Enugu.” He expressed joy that a worthy successor, Dr. Peter Mba, was overwhelmingly elected by Enugu people to continue the good work of his predecessor.
He further explained that the second batch of the Gburugburu free medical exercise was also a humble appreciation of the good people of the state for voting massively for the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Peter Mba and Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai as deputy governor elect. He expressed confidence that Mba would undoubtedly replicate his entreprenurial ingenuity in the development of the state economy.
Ajogwu frowned at the campaign of calumny targeted at Ugwuanyi by political detractors, who intend to deface the positive legacies left by his administration. He expressed sadness that some mischievous politicians spread pernicious lies against Gburugburu in an attempt to diminish his towering political profile both at the national and international stage.
He said: “Ugwuanyi has set a political precedence which nobody can surpass in Enugu, a democratic culture that yielded huge dividends for the people. His politics of equity, fairness and tolerance brought relative peace and stability in Enugu.”
He is a man that believes in due process, and accorded priority to people-oriented policies. I live in Enugu and I can tell you that many of the legacy projects by Governor Ugwuanyi are not reported in the media. These projects scattered across all the local governments and constituencies have changed the state, and would remain points of reference in years to come. The records are there to show that Gburugburu has served Enugu people well and will be remembered as the best governor of the state.”