CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop (Dr) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has flagged off the 7th edition of the Free Medical Outreach and the inaugural International Medical Outreach at the General Hospital, Calabar.
Organised through her NGO, Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative, in collaboration with FaithCare Outreach International, the programme commenced on Sunday, 16th June 2025, and is scheduled to run until Friday, 21st June. The outreach attracted beneficiaries from across Nigeria and parts of Africa.
In a statement signed by her Press Secretary, Faith Okon-Egbuijem, on Tuesday, Bishop Otu stated that the medical outreach has reached all three senatorial districts of the state and is currently in its second cycle.
“So far, the Free Medical Outreach train has covered the three senatorial districts of our dear state and is now on a second round,” she said.
Adding, “The previous edition was held in Obudu, marking our second return to the Northern Senatorial District, and today, we are in Calabar. With God’s help and continued support, the next edition will take place in one of the local government areas in the Central Senatorial District.”
She noted that, with the support of FaithCare Outreach International, the initiative has made significant health interventions, including 705 free surgeries, 2,138 eye care services, 807 dental care procedures, 898 laboratory investigations, and over 5,000 general consultations. These figures are in addition to the beneficiaries recorded during the maiden edition, which covered all 18 local government areas.
Bishop Otu expressed gratitude to her husband, the Governor of Cross River State, Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his steadfast support.
“His unending support and people-first leadership form the foundation of this intervention. He envisions a healthier Cross River and is committed to leaving behind a legacy of well-being for every citizen,” she stated.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk, praised Bishop Otu’s consistency in providing free health services, saying she had proven her dedication to the wellbeing of Cross Riverians.
The team lead of FaithCare Outreach International, Prof Peter Schnatz, commended the warm reception his team received upon arrival from the United States and assured of their commitment to providing quality healthcare to underserved individuals.
In a related development, Bishop Otu also launched the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme for senior citizens aged 65 and above. She was decorated as the Ambassador of the State’s Health Insurance Scheme during the event.
Additionally, she launched an advocacy campaign for Measles and Rubella Vaccination and was registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), following a tour of the medical outreach facilities.
The outreach continues in Calabar until Friday with various free health services on offer to residents and visitors.
