BY BETI ONU/AWKA
ASSt. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, in Anambra State continues to render free services to humanity, no fewer than 40 patients recently benefited from free surgeries and free treatments during the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery medical mission held at the hospital.
The medical mission, which has been an annual event at the hospital, was sponsored by the African Humanitarian Foundation, created by a Hungarian medical doctor, Dr. Reka Fodor.
Briefing newsmen in his office recently, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Izunna Okonkwo, highlighted that four trained Hungarian medical missionaries, led by Dr. Z solt, attended to over 300 patients who came from various parts of the country for the medical outreach.
He explained that during the screening process, many people were diagnosed with surgical ailments, which eventually led to the ENT doctors operating on more than 40 patients.
“To the glory of God, all those surgeries were 100% successful. There were no complications, and many of them were discharged within a record time. Apart from those who already received surgery from the hands of the doctors, we also have another 35 patients who are waiting for their own surgeries when the doctors come back next year,” Fr. Izunna stated.
“Al l these patient s received free surgeries. Some of them were required to pay a little token for drugs and hospitalization/services,” he added.
The clergy, however, noted that the Hungarian doctors assured everyone that they would return next year to continue from where they stopped. He said that as the doctors were about to leave, many people, having heard the good news about the successful treatments of various ENT ailments, began trooping to the hospital.
He expressed gratitude to God for the successful medical exercise and once again appreciated the AFREKA Humanitarian Foundation for facilitating the outreach. He informed the general public that another out reach is scheduled for next year.
Fr. Eze Udo, as he is fondly called, recalled that not long ago, Dr. Reka Fodor and her medical team attended to over 400 patients in the outpatient clinic, replicating the same dedication and care during the recently concluded medical outreach.
He also appreciated Archbishop Valerian Okeke, who he said is the proprietor of St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, for his magnanimity and foresight, which have enabled professionals in various medical fields to regularly assist people facing financial challenges.
Fr. Izunna unequivocally stated that the hospital offers equal services and treatment to all patients admitted to their healthcare facilities, emphasizing that there is no discrimination based on gender, race, or church/ religious affiliation.
He reiterated that the medical outreach is a continuous program at the hospital, noting that flyers are usually distributed to inform the public. He assured the public that information regarding the next medical outreach will be disseminated soon so that those who were unable to access the October and November medical outreach can do so next year.
