A 31-year-old resident of Edo State, who gave his name as Felix, was diagnosed of hernia in December 2021.
His doctors advised him to undergo a surgical procedure at the cost of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000).
He couldn’t raise the money as his N35,000 monthly salary was already overstretched, worse still, the harsh economic condition of the country made it impossible for him to get help from relatives and friends.
However, through the help of a colleague, Felix got news of the Edo State government’s partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), to provide free medical health in Edo State.
This became a source of hope for Felix who had been ‘crippled’ by despair.
Through the Edo State government’s collaboration with the medical experts, Felix was able to obtain the much needed medical assistance.
According to Felix, “This is the first time I will ever benefit from government assistance in my life”.
Through the State’s Government partnership with ANPA, Felix got a free surgical procedure that took care of his health challenge.
The programme which was originally meant for only three primary health care centers in Oredo, Aruogba and Ugbor, has been extended to more health centers including Iwogban, Ugbekun, Ewoyi in Esan North-East, Ewohimi in Esan South East, Warake in Owan East, and Jattu in Etsako West local government areas of the State.
Edo residents through this partnership are certain of receiving world class treatment.
The State currently has access to an array of professionals within the health sector from across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean who have assembled a team of specialists including neurosurgeons, neurologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, pharmacists and neonatologists, in driving this health partnership.
Apart from taking care of surgical procedures for residents in Edo State, the partnership has also created an avenue for routine follow-up through telemedicine.
This is expected to continue even after the ANPA mission in the State.
Governor Obaseki remains committed to his goal of making Edo State a medical hub in Nigeria, and in creating a healthier society for residents through his Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) Agenda.
By Edugie Osagieduwa Elvis
