Anambra Communities Benefit from Lawmaker’s Free Medical Outreach
By Praise Chinecherem
Member representing Orumba North in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Paul Obu, has partnered with State Government and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America to organize a free medical outreach.
The five-day medical outreach, which spanned four communities, including Ezira, Umuorji, Ajalli, and Akwaeze, was flagged off with a lecture series at the Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG) office in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Some of the free medical services rendered included comprehensive eye checks and the issuance of eyeglasses, blood pressure and sugar level checks, and other health-related services.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Chief Facilitator of the project, who is also the member representing Orumba North constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly and the Minority Whip of the 8th Assembly, Hon. Paul Obu said the outreach was in line with his passionate to improve the quality of life and health conditions for people in rural areas.
He commended Governor Soludo for his rapid transformation drive through the Commissioner for Health. He stated that this gesture was his way of giving back to society by taking healthcare to the grassroots, noting his intentions of setting up Project Anambra to enable rural residents to access good and quality healthcare services.
According to him, good health is essential for embarking on any meaningful venture in life, hence his drive to transform lives and positively empower members of various communities.
The Orumba North-born philanthropist while appreciating the founder of NANNNA, Dr Sandra Anyoha emphasized that the initiative is also in line with the five-point agenda of his campaign manifesto, which centers on education, youth development, health, security, and infrastructural development. He affirmed his commitment to addressing these critical sectors. He further urged the beneficiaries to maintain good health consciousness and personal hygiene and to adhere to medical prescriptions in order to recover and live longer.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, commended Hon. Paul for the wonderful initiative, noting that it complements the existing efforts of the State Government in providing the necessary medical infrastructure to ensure easy and affordable healthcare services for every Anambra resident.
The Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Agency, Pharm. Chisom Uchem, commended Hon. Paul for his magnanimity and described the free medicare as an answer to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s call for affluent Ndi Anambra to partner with the government in various development initiatives. She applauded the Anambra State Governor for ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for the health mission and also thanked the Anambra State Commissioner for Health for his support and commitment to the success of the entire outreach program.
She pointed out that Governor Soludo is very intentional about the health of Ndi Anambra, which is why he initiated free antenatal care and delivery for pregnant women in the State. She also thanked the NANNNA Team from America for their determination and contributions in making the grassroots health mission a success.
Some of the beneficiaries, including the member representing Orumba South in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Emma Nwafor, the Transition Committee Chairman of Orumba North Local Government Area, Rtd. Capt. Casmir Nwafor, the traditional ruler of Ezira, Igwe Augustine Nwangwu and the President General of Ezira Community, Hon. Moses Akam equally thanked Hon. Paul for his generosity and for prioritizing the health needs of the people by aligning with Governor Soludo’s “Think Home” philosophy. They called on other affluent Ndi Anambra to emulate his example.
Additionally, the Transition Committee Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, Hon. Shedrack Azubuike, and his Anaocha counterpart, Hon. Rome Ibekwe, both witnessed the free medical mission in their respective locations and expressed their satisfaction with the program, describing Hon. Paul as a role model. They affirmed their readiness to support anyone with the “Aku Luo Uno” initiative to succeed at the grassroots level.
Earlier, the NANNNA New Jersey Chapter President and the medical team leader, Mrs. Stella Ngozi Okonkwo, the NANNNA Health Chairperson, Dr. Esther Oshunluyi, and Dr. Tessy Okoro, commended Hon. Paul Obu for organizing the outreach. In their separate lecture series during the flag-off of the outreach, they provided special health education to student doctors, nurses, and others in the medical profession, encouraging them to stay updated with current global practices. They advised beneficiaries in the field to heed the instructions given to them, especially regarding visiting the hospital for check-ups and follow-ups when necessary.
The Anambra State Director of Nursing Services, Mrs Perpetua Anene, Anaocha APGA Women Leader, Mrs. Ijeoma Helen, and Akwaeze Ward Councilor, Hon. Udemba Izuchukwu, who were also present during the tour, testified and applauded the lawmaker for the initiative.
Decoration of Hon Paul Obu as Anambra State NANNNA Patron, Induction of Pharm Chisom Uchem into the association and official opening of Ezira Primary Healthcare Centre climaxed the outreach.