Hundreds queuing for treatment.
It was a Valentine’s gift like no other for the people of Nsit Ubium as the lawmaker representing the constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Effiong Bob, flagged off a three-day free medical and surgical outreach at the Primary Health Centre, Ikot Edibon.
Thursday, the opening day of the exercise saw a massive turnout, with thousands of residents trooping to the venue, seeking medical attention for various ailments. The atmosphere was akin to a marketplace, as medical professionals worked tirelessly to attend to patients.
Speaking to newsmen, Dr. Samuel Ekpo from the State Ministry of Health disclosed that over 900 outpatients had been treated, while 620 persons were set to receive free prescription glasses.
He further revealed that 45 surgical procedures were successfully carried out on the first day, with 70 more scheduled for the next day.
“This initiative has brought together top consultants across various fields, including anaesthetics, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, ophthalmology, and laboratory sciences.
“We have a dedicated team comprising 10 doctors, 10 consultants, 20 nurses, and a total of 50 medical personnel alongside 50 others in the surgical team. The response has been overwhelming, and we will continue to provide treatment till Saturday,” Dr. Ekpo stated.
Among the medical conditions treated on the first day were giant hernias, appendicitis, breast lump removals, hepatitis, malaria, typhoid fever, ulcers, hypertension, diabetes, and eye defects.
Meanwhile, the exercise has drawn widespread commendation for Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, whose sponsorship of the outreach has been described as a selfless act of service.
74 years old Elder Daniel Akpan, a beneficiary from Ikot Edibon, who was treated for acute typhoid fever that had almost left him mentally unstable, expressed his gratitude.
“Our House of Assembly lawmaker has given me a second chance at life. I came here weak and almost losing my senses, but now, I feel relieved. May God bless Hon. Otobong Effiong Bob for this rare kindness,” he said.
Similarly, 72-year-old Madam Dorothy Edem Sandy, who received treatment, could not hold back her joy. “This is true leadership. We are grateful to have a representative who thinks about the health of his people. May God bless and reward him abundantly,” she prayed.
As the outreach continues tomorrow Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15,2025, residents have been urged to take advantage of the opportunity, with medical teams on standby to ensure that no one is left unattended.
