Residents of Tula in Kaltungo Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe State have expressed relief and gratitude as a large-scale free medical outreach provides much-needed healthcare to thousands of people in the community and neighboring areas.
The exercise, which targets over 3,000 beneficiaries, offers a range of services including medical consultations, general and specialized surgeries, eye care, dental treatment, maternal health services, laboratory tests, and free medications. The outreach is being conducted at the Jennifer Etuh Memorial Hospital in Tula through a collaboration between Jennifer Etuh Foundation and Pro-health international.
For many residents, the intervention has brought healthcare within reach for the first time in months. Cases of hernias, appendicitis, eye disorders, skin infections, and pregnancy-related complications are among the most frequently treated conditions.
The Program Coordinator for the Tula Medical Outreach, Mr. Chidi Nwankpa, disclosed that over 600 patients were attended to within the first few days, with more expected as news of the exercise spreads to remote villages. He said the initiative has been particularly impactful for low-income families and farmers who often cannot afford hospital treatment.
He explained that the initiative has been carefully structured to deliver comprehensive health services while promoting preventive healthcare among residents. He explained that the outreach also focuses on health education to reduce dependence on traditional medicine and to improve awareness about hygiene, Similarly, the Program Manager, Mr. Joe Otu, emphasized that the outreach aims to bridge the gap between rural populations and quality healthcare. He said the project’s success in Tula demonstrates how community-based health interventions can save lives, especially in underserved areas where access to medical facilities remains a challenge.
He also highlighted the importance of sustained health awareness, stressing that ignorance and reliance on traditional medicine continue to endanger lives. According to him, many patients delay seeking medical help even for emergencies such as snakebites or infections, underscoring the need for stronger public education on preventive healthcare.
Among the beneficiaries, Mrs. Anita Nene Ibrahim, who successfully delivered her baby through a caesarean section during the outreach, described the experience as life-saving. “I didn’t know how I would afford delivery at a private hospital. The doctors and nurses treated me with great care. This outreach came as a miracle for me,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Absolum Ishaya, who underwent surgery for appendicitis, said he was relieved to receive treatment without financial burden. “I couldn’t have afforded this surgery elsewhere. They operated on me for free and treated me with dignity. This has truly changed my life,” he stated.
Residents and local leaders commended the effort, calling for similar interventions across other rural communities in Gombe State, where access to affordable healthcare remains limited. nutrition, and disease prevention.
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