By Israel Mbam
Ebonyi Health Insurance Agency, EBSHIA has successfully carried out eye surgeries, fibroid removals, hernia repairs, lung operations, and related medical interventions on over 1,283 Ebonyians in its third phase of the programme for the year.
The free surgical intervention programme is sponsored by the State Government in partnership with Better Health for Rural Women, Children and internally displaced Foundation (BERWO) the pet projects of the Wife of the state Governor, Mrs Mary Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru.
Speaking to newsmen on the success stories recorded by the Agency, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Igwe, said the programme was carried out in 47 hospitals across the state and covered eye surgeries, fibroid removals, hernia repairs, lung operations, and related medical interventions.
According to him, 626 beneficiaries received eye screenings and glasses, 113 underwent eye surgeries, 518 had hernia operations, 126 were treated for fibroids, while 13 benefited from lung surgeries.
Dr. Igwe noted that all procedures were conducted free of charge by consultants and professors to ensure quality healthcare delivery. He commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for prioritising the health sector and his wife, Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for enrolling thousands of pregnant women and sickle cell patients into the state’s health insurance scheme.
“The Governor has ended medical tourism for our people and reduced catastrophic health spending. Healthcare is not charity; it is dignity restored, and every life touched is a destiny preserved,” Dr. Igwe stated.
While on media tour of health facilities where the interventions took place, some beneficiaries expressed gratitude. Mr. Ewa Peter, who had lived with a hernia for years, said: “I can now walk freely without shame or pain. God bless the Governor and his wife for this intervention.”
Mrs. Nwekpa, a fibroid patient, said her marriage was restored after the surgery. “I carried fibroids for more than 20 years with no money for an operation. Today, I feel like a new woman,” she said.
Also, a 23-year-old glaucoma patient testified that she had been saved from imminent blindness. “Hospitals demanded over one million naira for surgery I could not afford. This programme restored my sight,” she said.
Dr. Igwe added that the intervention was part of activities marking the 29th anniversary of Ebonyi State, describing it as a milestone in expanding healthcare access for residents.
Some of the hospitals visited by the press to see the beneficiaries include; Onueke General Hospital, General Hospital Elenwovu, Pool of Bethesda Specialist Hospital, General Hospital Ezzamgbo, General Hospital Ezza North, Hope special Hospital, Little Seed Special Hospital, NOFIC Hospital Abakaliki among others where the beneficiaries showered praises on EBSHIA, Ebonyi State Governor and his wife
