Redefining Medicare through Mbaise USA, Medville’s Medical City
Tony Icheku writes that the collaborative quest by Mbaise USA and Medville to redefine the infrastructural and economic development of Mbaise and virtually transform her to a first world community in a third world, has given birth to Medical City, a gigantic, multi-million dollar project that is geared to be an attractive destination for medical tourism
In a gigantic, multi-million dollar project conceptualised to redefine the infrastructural and economic development of Mbaise and virtually transform her to a first world community in a third world, Nigerians of Mbaise descent resident in the United States of America, USA are set to position Nigeria as one of the attractive destinations for medical tourism.
The Imo State citizens under the aegis of Mbaise USA have concluded plans for the ground breaking ceremony on May 15, 2024 of their multi-million dollar project known as Medville Medical City which would be sited at Eziala Kaohu Community in Aboh-Mbaise LGA of Imo State.
In an exclusive interview with THISDAY the National President of Mbaise USA, High Chief Sonny O. S Echendu described Medville Medical City as a multi-million dollar investor’s delight which would sit on over 100 acres of land.
“Mbaise USA and its partners, Medville conceptualised Medville Medical City first and foremost as one stop facility where Nigerians and people from neighbouring countries can come to for first class medical consultation and treatment of the same quality as obtainable elsewhere in the world.
“Besides the Specialist Hospital, the City would host a Medical School, a School of Nursing, a 5-star hotel, a helipad plus luxury homes and apartments
“There would also be schools of international standards: From Nursery, Primary, to Secondary school. There would also be a stadium, sporting and leisure facilities, events centre as well as shopping centre plus a section for mechanised farming. Each of the facilities which would be interlinked by quality roads would be operated as an on going business concern with it’s own autonomous management.
“Of course we are inviting all Mbaise sons and daughters to come in as investors in this massive project.
“Mbaise USA conceptualised this gigantic project, having reviewed its annual Medical Outreach budget of over $5 million where it flies in specialists for surgeries, general medicine and other healthcare and realised it could enhance the value of the Medicare for the people if there is a first class permanent health care centre which they could access as the need arises. Beyond providing for specialist healthcare needs, the medical facilities would also be used as a research centre for other medical educational institutions”, Echendu said
Echendu, a former Armoured Corp Commander in the Nigerian Army also addressed security concerns and explained that in the three LGAs of Mbaise, the Mbaise USA are proposing to install CCTVs, control centres with rapid response squad to minimise insecurity in the area which in recent times have been scenes of violent killings. He said the association is closely studying models where the system have been effective and would clone such in the three LGAs.
Further proffering more insight on the project, Amb. Cliff Kachi Ayozie explained that during a session to approve the project, the joint Board of Delegates led by Dr Charles Iwejuo and National Executives of Mbaise USA recorded an impressive attendance of 82 Delegates and members of the National EXCO.
“There was only one absentee vote, two others not represented at the time of voting, 21 affiliate Chapters of Mbaise USA voted YES for Mbaise USA to partner with the Atlanta based organization, Medville and other interested investors towards the realization of the multi-million dollars City.
“The project generated robust debate and contributions among the 82 delegates and members of the National Executives present at the virtual zoom meeting following its introduction by the President of Mbaise USA, High Chief S.O.S Echendu and the Medville Medical City video presentation by the National Vice President, Ezeji Alozie Aguwa.
“The legislative arm of Mbaise USA constitutionally represented as the Board of Delegates also approved funds for the Geographic and Topograhic surveys and May 15, 2024 was fixed for the ground breaking event.
“The vision of some Mbaise wise men and women under the umbrella of Mbaise Leadership Forum, MLF developing a plan to make Mbaise a first class community in a third world country is fast becoming a reality”, he submitted
The ground breaking ceremony which would be chaired by the Chief Executive of ABC Transport Limited would feature Governor Hope Uzodimma as Distinguished Guest of Honour with former Ambassador to Guinea, Ambassador Innocent Iweju; Dr Nancy U Akunna and former governor, Hon Emeka Ihedioha as Special Guests of Honour.
Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District would also feature Guest of Honour with Hon Emeka Chinedu and Hon Matthew Nwogu respectively representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte and Aboh-Mbaise/Ngor Okpuala Federal Constituency.
The chief hosts would be played by Surv. Joe Anosike, the President-General of Ezurezu Mbaise; And HRH Eze Thaddeus Anochirionye, the Eze-elect of Eziala Kaohu.
The Medville Medical City project apart from providing employment and scholarships to deserving sons and daughters of the host community, promises a value chain that will positively impact the socio-economic development of Mbaise and beyond.
