Abia Launches Free Medical Mission April 13 as 25 US-Based Doctors Arrive for Surgeries, Consultations

The Abia State Government, in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), will begin its 2026 medical mission on April 13, offering free surgeries and consultations to residents.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, announced the initiative at Government House, Umuahia, describing it as a major outreach that will run until April 17.

He said the programme follows Governor Alex Otti’s directive to expand access to quality healthcare through collaboration with Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora, building on a similar outreach held in 2024.

According to Uche, about 25 doctors from the United States will work alongside local medical teams to deliver services, targeting at least 1,500 consultations and up to 100 surgeries within the five-day period.

The outreach will take place at Aba General Hospital and the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Umuahia. Eye-related treatments and surgeries will be handled in Umuahia, while general surgeries will be conducted in Aba.

Activities will officially begin with the arrival of the medical team on April 13, followed by an opening ceremony at the Michael Okpara Auditorium on April 14. Full medical services will also commence the same day.

Uche noted that the state government is providing logistics and funding support, while ANPA is contributing medical expertise and supplies.

Beyond clinical services, the mission will include training for 80 health workers on basic life support, as well as education on sexual and reproductive health, particularly for young people.

He added that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader healthcare reform agenda aimed at improving service delivery, promoting best practices, and ensuring compassionate care.

The Commissioner also announced the launch of a rural emergency medical service, beginning with the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovations and Initiatives (MMRII) local government areas, with three ambulances already deployed.

Speaking on preparations, the Director General of ABSACA and head of the local organising team, Dr. Uloaku Ukaegbu, said arrangements have been ongoing for months to ensure a smooth exercise.

She disclosed that free medical screenings and necessary investigations are already in progress, including blood provision for patients requiring transfusions before surgery.

Ukaegbu added that the programme will also provide opportunities for knowledge transfer between diaspora and local medical professionals, while engaging youths through health education and access to preventive resources.