Over 2,000 patients benefit from free medical outreach

Ini Billie, Uyo

More than 2,000 indigent patients have been billed to receive free medical and surgical care during a humanitarian outreach organised by the Ibesikpo Asutan Organisation California Incorporated.

The weeklong medical mission, which kicked off at ImaBridge Africa Medical Centre, Ibesikpo, Akwa Ibom State, aims to meet the health needs of residents who cannot afford treatment. About 135 patients have already been booked for surgeries.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Project Coordinator, Dr Iniobong Okon Ubon, said the outreach, organised in partnership with the World Surgical Foundation and Ubotex Limited, has been providing free healthcare services for over 12 years.

According to her, more than 100 medical personnel from the United States and Nigeria are attending to patients, while over $50,000 worth of drugs have been procured for the exercise.

“We saw the need for medical outreach because many of our people lack access to healthcare or cannot afford drugs. Though we can’t treat everyone, we are doing what we can within this limited time,” she said.

Ubon appreciated Elder Ubong Obot for his support in providing accommodation for the medical team, while commending ImaBridge Africa Medical Centre for hosting the exercise.

However, she lamented the absence of a functional general hospital in Ibesikpo Asutan, noting that it poses a major challenge to the continuity of the outreach.

“There is no general hospital for us to use. We tried Mount Carmel Hospital, but it wasn’t conducive to a medical mission. If there’s no general hospital by next year, this might be our last outreach here,” she warned.

Ubon called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to partner with the organisation to strengthen healthcare delivery in the area.

Also speaking, Dr Ndifreke Etim, Hospital Administrator of ImaBridge Africa Medical Centre, said prescreening for surgeries such as hernia, fibroid, goitre, appendectomy, and breast lump removal had already been conducted.

“We have booked about 135 patients for surgery — 73 for hernia repairs, 17 for fibroid removals, and 15 for breast lump operations. Children will also benefit, as we plan more corrective surgeries,” Etim said.

She disclosed that thyroidectomy, a major surgical procedure, would be performed by the Chief Surgeon, Dr Asuquo Inyang, and called for more volunteers to ensure that all patients are treated.

In his remarks, Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Council, Hon. Edidiong Inyang, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Goodness Obot, commended the diaspora medical team and urged residents to take advantage of the free medical services.

“Don’t be shy to talk to health workers; we are here to help one another. Tell them your medical issues,” he advised.

The outreach is expected to run throughout the week, providing treatment, surgeries, and medications to thousands of beneficiaries across Ibesikpo Asutan.