…Eight telescopic surgeries performed

By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has launched a free medical screening and surgical intervention programme for men with prostate-related conditions, with eight telescopic prostate surgeries already successfully performed.

Nwifuru flagged off the programme at Izhamgbo General Hospital in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, saying men aged 40 and above would benefit from free treatment and surgery if diagnosed with severe conditions.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, the governor described the initiative as the first state health programme specifically targeted at men and urged them to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their health.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, said the state government had also expanded health insurance coverage for vulnerable groups.

Ekuma commended Nwifuru for his administration’s commitment to healthcare development in the state.

The Medical Officer of Izhamgbo General Hospital and initiator of the programme, Dr Ifeanyi Edeaja, confirmed that the facility had successfully performed eight telescopic prostate surgeries without any reported complications, deaths or other adverse outcomes.

He said the surgery, which could cost about ₦2 million, would be provided free to eligible beneficiaries. Medical screening, which ordinarily costs between ₦50,000 and ₦70,000, as well as other necessary medical tests, would also be offered at no cost.

The Special Adviser on Primary Health Care, Dr Sabinus Nwibo, and the Vice-Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Professor Jesse Uneke, urged men to embrace regular medical check-ups.

They stressed that early detection and treatment of prostate-related conditions could prevent complications and save lives.

One of the beneficiaries, John Ogbonna, who said he had battled a prostate condition since 2013, expressed gratitude to the governor for the intervention.

He said the free treatment had given him an opportunity to overcome the condition, which had affected his ability to urinate normally.