Abia Begins Free Medical Outreach

The Abia State government on Sunday, flagged off a week-long free medical outreach at Eluama, Isuikwuato Local Government Area in Abia state.

The outreach, organised by Living Hope Medical Centre in partnership with the Abia State Government, is one expected to run from June 22 to 26, delivering critical healthcare services at no cost to hundreds of residents.

With over 40 medical professionals from the United States working hand-in-hand with local healthcare providers, the initiative offers free surgeries and general treatments ranging from cataract removal to hernia repair, tumour extractions and more.

Speaking to reporters during the exercise, State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, who flagged off the medical outreach on behalf of Gov. Alex Otti said, “This partnership with Living Hope Foundation, a global health organisation that has been conducting free medical outreaches for over 36 years, fits into Governor Otti’s vision of accessible and affordable healthcare.”

He said the governor not only approved the outreach but also released funds to support it and authorised the use of the Suburban General Hospital as an additional location for the medical mission.

“This is more than a symbolic gesture. It’s part of a wider strategy to reposition Abia’s health sector—from infrastructure to manpower and direct community care,” Uche added.

The outreach, which began on Sunday, is being coordinated locally by the state’s Free Medical Outreach Committee, and supports the broader goals of the administration’s “Roadmap to Healthcare”which includes hospital upgrades, health insurance expansion, free services, and community health education.

In an interview with The Whistler, Dr Onyebuchi Acho, founder and president of Living Hope Christian Ministry, who is based in Dallas, Texas, described the programme as a mission born out of personal loss and a desire to save lives.

“Each time I came home and asked about old friends, I would hear they died because they couldn’t afford to go to the hospital. That pain moved my wife and me to start this. We’ve been doing it now for 36 years—all free,” Dr Acho recounted.

He explained that while Living Hope specialises in surgery, the outreach offers a broad range of medical care, noting that “from eye surgeries to mass removals, the theatres are running every day, all day.”

Dr Acho also highlighted the foundation’s long relationship with the Isuikwuato community, having used the local general hospital for over two decades before constructing their own facility in Eluama ten years ago.

On partnering with the current administration, he was upbeat saying, “I’ve known many governors, but Dr Otti stands out. He loves the people, and he genuinely wants to help. When I was told the state wanted to collaborate, I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I’m excited and hopeful this partnership will continue.”

From morning till evening, the outreach evidently draws long queues of hopeful patients, young and old seeking relief, restoration, and reassurance.

THE WHISTLER reports that as the programme continues through the week, it not only provides critical healthcare to underserved communities but also reinforces what is possible when government meets goodwill in the service of the people.