The Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation, in collaboration with the VOOM Foundation, USA, has commenced its 2024 May Adult Medical Outreach at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital in Oraifitte. This year’s program will feature 30 medical experts from the VOOM Foundation performing open-heart surgeries on 20 patients and conducting rare vascular surgeries.
Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Chidimma Okoye, Executive Director of the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation, highlighted the program’s aims and scope. She explained that the outreach targets 20 patients for open-heart surgery and includes vascular surgeries, a rarity in Nigeria. Medical students from the School of Cardiothoracic Nursing in Enugu are participating, learning alongside the foreign specialists.
Mrs. Okoye emphasized the outreach’s goal of providing critical surgeries to those who cannot afford to travel abroad for treatment. She noted that while the May Adult Medical Outreach is highly subsidized, the upcoming September outreach for children will be free. She extended her gratitude to Air Peace for transporting the 30 expatriate doctors and to other partners who provided financial support for patients. She also thanked Sir Emeka Okwuosa for his generous funding of the initiative.
Highlighting the program’s impact, Mrs. Okoye mentioned that extending the operation to a month could potentially allow 40 patients to receive treatment, provided there is additional support from the government and other benefactors. Since the program’s inception, 69 open-heart surgeries have been successfully performed, with patients fully recovering. She also shared the story of Kelvin Obasi, an 11-year-old boy who underwent surgery last year and whose school fees are now covered by the foundation.
Shawn Andaya-Pulliam, Executive Director of VOOM Foundation, USA, remarked on the significance of the biannual medical mission. She emphasized the opportunities it offers to train local surgeons and ICU nurses, with plans to increase their visits in 2025. She praised Sir Emeka Okwuosa’s philanthropic efforts to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system and education in the medical field.
The program has not only provided numerous heart surgeries but also aims to foster partnerships to expedite healthcare improvements and establish a National Insurance Programme to support indigent Nigerians.
Among those scheduled for surgery, Mr. Anthony Izuchukwu shared his anticipation after undergoing several tests, while Favour Uwabuokwu from Abia State, diagnosed with a hole in the heart, appealed for financial assistance, even at the subsidized rate.
