Free Medical Mission in Anambra State Benefits Over 1,000 Patients, Including 29 Children Who Underwent Open Heart Surgery
Awka, Anambra State – In a remarkable medical outreach, at least 29 children in Anambra State received free open heart surgeries as part of an extensive program that provided complimentary treatments for various health issues to over 1,000 patients. The initiative, conducted by 82 volunteer physicians from the United States, Sweden, and Canada, took place in Oraifite, within the Ekwusigo Local Government area.
The medical mission, organized by the VOOM Foundation in collaboration with the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF), included free cardiovascular assessments, healthcare services, and medicated eyewear for individuals facing eye problems. The event unfolded on a Tuesday, during which mobility aids such as walkers were also distributed to patients with movement difficulties, along with special gift packages for the community.
Mrs. Chidinma Okoye, the Executive Director of SEOF, reported that aside from the 29 children who received free open-heart surgeries, more than 15 adults benefited from reduced-cost procedures for similar heart surgeries. She emphasized that some adults who were unable to afford the subsidized rates also received free treatment.
The mission featured interventional cardiologists who successfully performed catheterizations on ten children. Furthermore, the partnership with Immaculate Heart Eye Clinic in Nkpor aimed to tackle a range of eye-related conditions.
Okoye highlighted that since the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital’s inauguration two years ago, a total of 120 open-heart surgeries have been successfully conducted. “In this September/October mission of the VOOM Foundation, we performed 29 successful open heart surgeries on children and over 15 adults had their procedures carried out at subsidized costs,” she explained.
“Those adults who were unable to meet even these subsidized costs were treated free of charge, thanks to the dedication of these international medical volunteers. During this Free Medicare program, interventional cardiologists collaborated with other medical professionals to perform catheterizations on 10 children. Additionally, the Foundation partnered with Immaculate Heart Eye Clinic, Nkpor, to provide manpower for addressing numerous eye defects,” Okoye added.
Shawn Pulliam, Executive Director of the VOOM Foundation USA, commended the commitment of the 82 volunteer doctors who played a vital role in the mission. Rachael Crandall, the Coordinator of VOOM Foundation Medical Missions, referred to the event as a significant milestone for the hospital and urged both government and private sectors to offer further support for such initiatives.
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