By Steve Oko

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has urged state governors not to overlook the critical health sector in favor of road infrastructure.

Speaking during her 17th annual free medical outreach in Isuochi, Abia State, Onyejeocha emphasized that while road construction is beneficial, neglecting the health sector could lead to a “sick population,” which she said is more devastating than poverty.

“Governors should diversify their focus to include the health sector, agriculture, and security. A crumbling health sector means we are fostering a sick population,” Onyejeocha said.

The minister, a former Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives, highlighted her passion for the health and well-being of the underprivileged, stating that her medical outreach is driven by the need to assist those unable to afford healthcare. She explained that for the past 17 years, she has funded the outreach from her personal savings as part of her “covenant with God.”

During the ongoing outreach, Dr. Humble Chimaobi, head of the medical team from the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, revealed that over 120 patients had been treated, including 35 surgical cases. The outreach aims to serve 600 medical patients and 400 surgical cases, with prevalent conditions including hernia, malaria, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, describing Onyejeocha as “God-sent,” with some sharing how her efforts had saved their families from financial ruin.

The minister reaffirmed her commitment to providing free healthcare to those in need, vowing to continue the initiative regardless of the cost.