Excitement and relief spread across several communities in Awka as members of the Awka Union USA/Canada commenced another round of free medical services for residents.
The humanitarian healthcare programme, now in its fifth edition, attracted thousands of people from Awka and neighbouring communities seeking free treatment, medical tests and medications.
Residents, including elderly citizens, women and low-income families, gathered at different medical centres where healthcare professionals attended to patients suffering from conditions such as malaria, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and vision-related problems.
The outreach, which started on May 11, is taking place at several locations including Umuzocha, Ndichie Hall in Umudioka, Ezi Umuanaga Village in Agulu Quarters, Umuokpu Village Hall and the Manari Osonwa Free Clinic in Obodjezi, Obunagu Village. Organisers said the exercise is expected to end on May 15.
Speaking during the programme, the President-General of the union, Anthony Nwobum, said the initiative remains one of the association’s major community support projects focused on improving healthcare access for residents.
According to him, the programme is fully funded by members of the union living in the United States and Canada, without support from government agencies or external donors.
He explained that members agreed during their annual convention to continue supporting healthcare and social welfare projects in their hometown.
Nwobum noted that the large turnout reflected the growing difficulty many families face in accessing affordable medical care amid rising healthcare costs and economic hardship.
He disclosed that about 60 medical workers were participating in the outreach, with hundreds of patients already treated since the exercise began.
Also speaking, the union president, Onyebuchi Mbonu, said members across different branches abroad contributed funds to ensure the success of the programme.
He expressed concern about the condition of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, saying many citizens now rely heavily on charitable interventions because of the high cost of treatment and medication.
Mbonu stated that the overwhelming crowd at the medical centres highlighted the urgent healthcare challenges facing many households.
The Chairperson of the union, Gloria Adigwe, said the outreach was designed to ease hardship by bringing free healthcare services directly to vulnerable residents.
She explained that beneficiaries were receiving eye examinations, prescription glasses, medications and treatment for several health conditions including diabetes, stroke-related illnesses, body pains and hypertension.
Adigwe recalled that the medical mission began in 2017 and has continued to expand due to increasing demand for affordable healthcare services.
According to her, many residents who cannot afford expensive hospital care now depend on such outreach programmes for early diagnosis and treatment.
She also urged authorities to strengthen public healthcare systems and make medical services more accessible to ordinary citizens.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chuks Nweke, commended members of the diaspora group for maintaining strong ties with their community despite living overseas.
He said the annual outreach had continued to improve lives through free drugs, health awareness campaigns and financial relief for struggling families.
Leading the medical team, Titi Uyanwune, disclosed that the exercise involved doctors, pharmacists, nurses, optometrists, radiographers and support personnel.
She explained that the programme focuses not only on treatment but also on preventive healthcare and public health education.
Uyanwune appealed to government authorities to establish more functional healthcare centres in both rural and urban communities.
Community leader Kanayochukwu Obidigbo praised the organisers for sustaining the initiative over the years, describing the outreach as highly impactful.
He said the large number of residents seeking medical attention showed the urgent healthcare needs within many communities.
One of the beneficiaries, 78-year-old retiree Onuorah Okafor, expressed gratitude after receiving treatment.
The elderly resident thanked the organisers for supporting vulnerable people, especially senior citizens who struggle to afford regular medical care.
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