The Abia State Government has pledged to cover the medical costs of 30 residents facing urgent surgical needs due to various ailments. This commitment follows the conclusion of a six-month-long free medical treatment initiative provided to residents throughout the state.
Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, the Governor of Abia State, made this announcement in response to an appeal from the Bulgarian non-governmental organization, Revive, which recently conducted a medical outreach in the state. The Revive team, led by Abia-native Mr. Smart Oriaku, expressed gratitude during their visit to the Governor for the support received from both the government and the people of the state during their 13-day medical outreach.
Governor Otti assured the medical team, comprising nurses, doctors, surgeons, and other support professionals, that his administration is dedicated to a comprehensive overhaul of healthcare facilities in the state. This commitment includes the construction of new facilities to enhance the overall well-being of citizens.
Highlighting the seriousness his administration places on healthcare delivery, Governor Otti mentioned ongoing efforts to renovate and retrofit 15 general hospitals across the state. He also emphasized the administration’s focus on restoring accreditation to the Abia State University’s medical school and Abia State University Teaching Hospital, both of which lost accreditation over two years ago.
Governor Otti further revealed plans to establish a ‘Medical Village,’ aiming to attract medical tourists to Abia and reduce the need for citizens to travel abroad for medical treatments, such as those commonly sought in countries like India.
Commending the visiting medical team and Mr. Oriaku for bringing the Revive initiative to Abia, Governor Otti expressed his appreciation, stating, “I’m pleased to receive you and commend you for your labor of love.”
Earlier in the address, Mr. Oriaku, the leader of the Revive team, revealed that the medical mission was solely sponsored by his family, the Late Rev. David Ukeje Oriaku family. He highlighted the team’s accomplishments during the 13-day outreach, including over 700 consultations, more than 60 successful surgeries, and various diagnostic tests, all funded by his family.
Mr. Oriaku also shared a groundbreaking discovery in breast cancer treatment that eliminates the need for chemotherapy, expressing the team’s desire to use Abia as a pilot location for this innovative approach.
Expressing his satisfaction, Mr. Oriaku, who had lost hope during the previous administration, praised Governor Otti for making the medical mission a reality, noting that it was previously unattainable despite persistent requests and efforts. The Revive team is dedicated to conducting medical outreaches for the poor and vulnerable in society, active in various African countries and beyond.