The David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) and the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu, Ebonyi State, have commenced a two-month free medical treatment programme for residents of the area.
The initiative, which began at the teaching hospital, is aimed at improving access to healthcare, encouraging early diagnosis and providing treatment for common illnesses.
Speaking with journalists, the Vice-Chancellor of DUFUHS, Prof Jesse Uneke, said the programme was part of efforts by the university and teaching hospital to improve healthcare delivery and make medical services more accessible to members of the public.
Uneke said the exercise would cover common health conditions, including malaria, cholera and other non-communicable diseases.
He said the initiative was also designed to strengthen the relationship between the hospital and communities within its catchment area by providing services to residents who might otherwise struggle to access medical care.
The vice-chancellor said the university and teaching hospital remained committed to initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the people.
“The treatment is not limited to some persons; it is open for everyone, irrespective of your tribe,” he said.
“This is part of our responsibility to give back to society. Making contributions and support to improve the health of the people, especially those who cannot afford quality healthcare.”
The Chief Medical Director of DUFUTH, Prof Chihurumnanya Alo, said the programme would help address common health conditions affecting residents.
Alo said the exercise was designed to ensure that people could access medical services regardless of their social or economic circumstances.
He stressed that the free treatment was open to all residents without restrictions based on age, group or social status.
The CMD urged people experiencing symptoms that required medical attention to visit the hospital during the programme.
He said early presentation would facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment while reducing the risk of complications.
Alo also encouraged residents to adopt healthy practices and cooperate with healthcare professionals in efforts to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of DUFUTH, Dr Ugoji Darlington-Peter, also urged residents to take advantage of the programme to undergo medical assessments.
Darlington-Peter said the two-month initiative would provide residents with access to medical care while supporting wider public health efforts to tackle common communicable diseases.
He encouraged people living in communities around the hospital to participate in the exercise and make use of the free healthcare services.
