Over 500 Benefit from MWAN Medical Outreach in Delta

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Deltans have commended the organisers of a day medical and surgical outreach held recently at Owa-Oyibu community of Delta State, with more than half a million people benefiting from the free medical services and health devices provided by the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).

Among the over 550 beneficiaries were men, women and children of all ages who trouped into the expansive Palace of the Obi of Owa, venue of the free medical outreach organised by the Delta State chapter of the MWAN, especially residents of Owa communiy in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

Prof Rosemary Obaze-Ogu, who is the 24th National President of MWAN, was visibly elated at the remarkable success of the free medical and surgical outreach, disclosing that more than 100,000 people have benefited from the association’s gesture across the country in 2024 alone.

According to her, the MWAN mega healthcare outreach at Owa-Oyibu, the administrative headquarters of Ika North-East Local Government Area, was a fallout of the 13th MWAN annual general meeting. 

Noting that the exercise was organised with the collaboration of Owa sons and daughters to bring diverse medical and healthcare services to the people in the area at no cost to them at all.

The MWAN medical outreach is aimed at improving the health of Nigerians with emphasis on women and children, the president said, adding that MWAN motto, “Matris Animo Curantis” (Heal with the love of a mother) underscored the passion members characteristically exhibit in carrying out MWAN series of health outreach.

Dr Ewere Rosemary Iwegbu, who chaired the organising committee of the healthcare outreach, MWAN was delighted at the massive turnout of beneficiaries, adding that it was gratifying that the stock of drugs and essential items like free eyeglasses were not in short supply. 

She observed that supplies for the Owa-Oyibu exercise included “800 glucose test stripes, 1,000 free eye glasses, free fibroid surgeries, free cataract surgeries, free Ear Care and cleaning, free Dental Check, and lots more”, adding that refferals were also made for free fibroid surgeries and others requiring the full compliments of medical theatre in the hospital.

Dr Iwegbu expressed gratitude to all the members of MWAN and other medical and dental practitioners as well as local and state government officials who displayed much enthusiasm to ensure that the programme progressed seamlessly.

Dr Minnie Oseji, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Ministry of Environment, said: “There were lots of screening for a wide range of diseases and medical challenges, and they were all attended with treatment and medication”, noting that the exercise would continue because of the referrals.

Dr Olive Ogelle noted that many of the beneficiaries were screened and treated for eye, ear, HIV, fibroids, blood sugar and hypertension.

“I’d say it has been a resounding success. As a matter of fact, our expectations were not only met but exceeded, and indication that the people were enthusiastic about the outreach was visible very early in the day with the Ika North-East Coubcil Chairman and his health officials being on ground early to witness everything,” she said.

Other respondents included Dr Chiemeke Onyekachukwu Samson of the Ika North-East Local Government Health Authority and the local government boss, Dr Paul Odigwe. 

Some beneficiaries of the exercise, including Mr Solomon Odumuye, Princess Helen Ani Efeizomor and 90-year old Madam Patience Okiti, expressed gratitude to the MWAN for the kind gesture towards many who practically had no access to quality medical healthcare services in the locality.

One of the highpoints of the event was a courtesy visit to the host and Father of the Day, HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor II, by members of MWAN with local and national partners.

The excited Owa monarch commended the Prof Rosemary Ogu-led team for their professional and humanitarian programme, saying he would appreciate if the MWAN would make the medical outreach an annual affair.