Abia to provide free medical outreach for 1,500 residents

By Ejire Folakunmi

No fewer than 1,500 residents of Abia State are expected to benefit from a five-day free medical outreach organised by the state government in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA).

The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, disclosed this on Friday during a news conference in Umuahia, saying the exercise is scheduled to hold from April 13 to 17, 2026. Uche said the initiative aligns with the healthcare agenda of Gov. Alex Otti, aimed at strengthening partnerships with diaspora medical professionals to improve healthcare delivery.

He explained that the outreach forms part of efforts to expand quality healthcare services and advance universal health coverage across the state. According to him, about 25 doctors from the United States will participate alongside local medical personnel to provide consultations and surgeries.

Services will include general medical consultations, gynaecological procedures, general surgeries, and eye surgeries for eligible residents. The commissioner said at least 1,500 consultations and about 100 surgeries are expected to be carried out during the period.

He added that the programme includes training for 80 health workers on basic life support and emergency response. Uche further announced the Abia Healthcare Rebirth Initiative, aimed at promoting improved medical practice and service delivery among health workers.

Coordinator of the ANPA outreach, Dr. Uloaku Ukaegbu, said preparations have been completed, adding that more than 250 people have already indicated interest for surgical procedures pending final screening.