Free fibroid surgeries have commenced at Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, south-east Nigeria, under a medical outreach aimed at improving access to specialist healthcare for vulnerable residents.
The initiative, organised by the Friends of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to commemorate the birthdays of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, provides free medical screening, treatment and surgical procedures for eligible residents across the state.
The outreach includes free myomectomy for women diagnosed with uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, alongside other surgical interventions at designated public health facilities.
Speaking at the commencement of the programme, the Chief Medical Officer of Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital, Dr Dozie Udeolisa, described the initiative as a major intervention for women who have been unable to access surgery because of financial constraints.
He said the high cost of fibroid surgery had prevented many patients from seeking timely treatment, forcing them to endure prolonged pain and other health complications.
“This programme is removing that financial barrier by providing quality surgical care free of charge to eligible patients,” Dr Udeolisa said.
He noted that Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital is one of the designated centres where beneficiaries who completed registration and medical screening are undergoing surgery.
According to him, experienced surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other healthcare professionals have been deployed to ensure safe and successful procedures, with each operation tailored to the patient’s medical needs.
Dr Udeolisa said the response had been encouraging, with many women who had previously postponed treatment due to cost now receiving the care they require at no expense.
He commended Governor Soludo and the Friends of the Governor for supporting the initiative, describing it as a practical contribution to expanding access to quality healthcare and strengthening public health services in Anambra State.
In addition to fibroid surgeries, the medical outreach offers free cataract surgery, glaucoma screening and treatment at the Anambra State Specialist Eye Centre, Nise, as well as free hernia surgeries at General Hospital, Umueri.
Eligible residents have been encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing programme, with organisers assuring beneficiaries of free, high-quality medical care throughout the exercise.
