The Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA)  has begun its free medical outreach in Abia by providing training for support staff and NGOs in the state, including Academic Core Values Orientation Initiatives led by Dr Ngozi Okechukwu.

ANPA President, Dr Mrs Chinyere Anyaogu-Eziri, stated that they annually organize free medical outreach and have chosen to support Governor Alex Otti’s efforts in Abia State this year.

Dr Anyaogu-Eziri mentioned that five surgeries were already completed on Friday night and into Saturday morning, and during the ANPA week, they will focus on medical services, capacity building, and advocacy to promote the health of Nigerians and the world.

High Chief Enyinnaya Alamba, the National President of Abia State National Association of North America, which comprises US and Canada, expressed his pleasure in partnering with ANPA to provide free medical care in Abia and praised Dr Chinyere Anyaogu-Eziri and Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi for their leadership in the initiative. He was impressed by the facilities at the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia where the surgeries are being performed.

Dr. Iyore James, a surgeon from America, originally from Edo State, who was involved in starting the kidney transplant program at FMC Umuahia in 2018, expressed her willingness to help people maintain good health.

Dr. Nancy Kheck, a US medical expert from Croatia, assured that ANPA is well-prepared for the mission and will work hard to assist the people of Abia.

During an interaction with the press, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the program and the Managing Director of FMC Umuahia, stated that the team is fully equipped to handle 340 surgical cases, in addition to other medical cases in the state, including five hundred eye cases.

Professor Azubuike mentioned that the team responsible for the five surgeries carried out on Friday night is ready to perform more surgeries before the program officially begins on Monday.        He also revealed that the program aims to address 20 cases in each of the 17 Local Government Areas in the state.

During a virtual address, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, commended the efforts of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, ANPA, and expressed her best wishes for the success of their mission in the state. The mission, which includes medical care, surgical procedures, and eye care, is scheduled to conclude on April 16th.