The First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Dr Eyoanwan Bassey Otu has flagged off the 7th edition of the Free Medical Outreach and 1st International Medical Outreach organised by her NGO, Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative in collaboration with Faithcare Outreach International at the General Hospital, Calabar.
The event which drew beneficiaries from across the Nation and some parts of Africa for its flag off begins from the 16th of June and runs until the 21st of June.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony, Bishop Otu emphasised that the Outreach spanned across the three (3) Senatorial districts of the State.
“So far, the Free Medical Outreach train has covered the three senatorial districts of our dear state and is now on a second round. 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.”
“Through the consistent and selfless partnership of my “Co-Visioneers” Faith-Care International, we have brought smiles, and even tears of joy, to the faces of thousands of Cross Riverians and other Nigerians residing in our state.”
Highlighting the impact so far, she added, “Together, we have recorded remarkable milestones: 705 free surgeries, 2,138 eye care services, 807 dental care procedures, 898 laboratory investigations, Over 5,000 general consultations. These numbers are in addition to those reached during the very first edition of the outreach, which spanned all 18 local government areas.”
“I remain deeply thankful to my dear husband, His Excellency, the Governor of our State, Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu. 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.”
Also speaking at the flag off ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk lauded Bishop Otu for her consistency in bringing up free interventions for her people, saying she has proven beyond words that she cares about the health of Cross Riverians.
The team lead of Faith Care Outreach International, Prof Peter Schnatz, was full of gratitude for the reception accorded the team since their arrival from the Unired States of America.
He thanked Bishop Otu for caring about people who cannot afford quality health care and assured her that his team would do everything within their capacity to bring succour to as many as they interfaced with.
In other news, the First Lady also launched the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme for old people from age 65 upwards. She was likewise decorated as the Ambassador of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme.
Furthermore, she launched the Advocacy movement for Measles and Rubella Vaccination.
Highlights were Bishop Otu being captured for the NHIS program and a tour of the Medical Outreach facility.