500 patients get free medicare in Imo

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA
OWERRI—Over 500 patients received treatment for various ailments during the flag-off of the free medical treatment organized at Umuohiagu Health Centre, by indigenes of the rural community in Ngor Okpala local government area of Imo State.

Explaining why they embarked on the free medicare project, the Vice President, Umuohiagu Progressive Union Overseas, Mr. Ndubisi Opara, lamented the needless loss of lives from ailments that could have been arrested.

He said: “Everything about this medical mission is free. We bought drugs. We have over eight doctors, three pharmacists, 10 nurses and other paramedical staff.”

Speaking also, the head of the medical team, Dr. Emeka Onukogu, said: “The dominant complaints presented by the patients included high blood pressure, malaria and diabetes.”

He lamented that all patients diagnosed with blood sugar and hypertension never knew they had been living with the health condition, adding that they have refered all surgical cases to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, for further attention.

While recommending monthly medical outreach to this rural community, Dr. Onukogu also reasoned that the people of Umuohiagu do not have primary health care facility to take care of their health needs.