Not less than 380 residents of Rivers State have benefited from a free medical outreach organised by PAMO University Teaching Hospital, as part of the activities marking the 2025 Convocation Ceremony of PAMO University of Medical Sciences.
Dr. Akaninyene Ubom, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Coordinator of Clinical Services at PAMO Teaching Hospital, told journalists that the initiative, which commenced on Wednesday, has so far provided care for over 380 patients. He explained that the outreach is the vision of former Rivers State Governor and founder of both PAMO University of Medical Sciences and PAMO Teaching Hospital, Dr. Peter Odili, aimed at easing access to healthcare for indigent Nigerians.
“The aim is to reach out to hundreds and thousands of Nigerians who cannot afford treatment due to the high cost of healthcare services,” Dr. Ubom said. “Twelve categories of surgeries, including general and pediatric procedures such as breast lump removal, eye surgery, and appendectomy, are being carried out.”
He further noted the hospital’s commitment to affordable, world-class healthcare: “Nigeria bears a significant burden of infectious and chronic diseases, yet poverty prevents many from accessing care. This hospital is about serving both rich and poor, male and female, without focusing on profit. In fact, three months ago, all treatment fees were reduced by 50% to make care more accessible.”
Patients receiving treatment included men, women, and children who have long suffered from various medical and surgical conditions. Among them was 46-year-old widow Favour Mbade, who received surgery for a hernia resulting from a 2023 colon cancer operation. “The hospital where I had my previous surgery said it would cost over a million naira to correct this. Here, it was done for free. I am very grateful to PAMO Teaching Hospital,” she said.
Another beneficiary, 52-year-old Festus Egbe, who has battled hernia for 15 years, travelled from Abuja to receive treatment. He expressed gratitude to the organisers and urged philanthropists to support the programme to help more people in need.
The outreach highlights PAMO Teaching Hospital’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved populations in Rivers State.
