BY VINCENT UJUMADU

AWKA—THE Association of Anambra in the United States of America, ASA–USA, medical mission has provided medical treatment to over 70,000 patients in 70 communities in the state since the programme was introduced seven years ago.

President of ASA–USA, Dr. Alison Anadi, who gave the figure during the association’s free medical service at Abatete in Idemili North local government area of the state, explained that the annual exercise, which covers all areas of medical practice, had been very successful because of the cooperation and support of the state government.

Medical experts in various branches of medicine such as surgeons, ophthalmologists, ENT experts, nurses and general medicine practitioners are involved in the exercise.

According to Anadi, the intention of the association is to reach all the 177 communities in the state and commended his colleagues in the diaspora for devoting time and other resources every year to help their home people.

He said that in addition to providing medical services, the association was also involved in providing books and educational materials to schools, including the state-owned Anambra State University, as well as organizing workshops and awards for deserving people.

He added that ASA-USA had so far empowered 200 rural women with over N5 million to enable them start their own businesses to be able to cater for their families, adding that the scheme has proved very successful as some of the beneficiaries have stabilized in their various trades.

He said:  “This year alone, we will provide free medical services to many communities. We will also provide micro finance to many women and disabled persons to encourage them go into business to fend for themselves.

“The programme for the disabled is being executed with the cooperation of a non -governmental organization, NGO, which is catering for the elderly in the society.

“We know that we could not have achieved much without the cooperation and support of the Anambra State government and that is why we are grateful to Governor Peter Obi who believes in moving the state forward.

“’We hope that Anambra will get another governor like him and that is why we are urging him to help us identify somebody who will succeed him.”