By Our correspondent
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has praised the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital in Irefi, Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, for its exceptional humanitarian work.
During his visit to the hospital, Obi emphasized the importance of health as a critical foundation for growth and development.
He expressed satisfaction with the hospital’s team spirit and humanitarian disposition, particularly in providing free heart surgeries to hundreds of patients.
“I’m very impressed with what I saw today,” Obi said, adding,”This kind of facility is what we need to replicate in other sectors. If we have doctors working together as a team, saving lives, imagine what our country will look like.
“Health is a critical thing. I’ve always said it, health is the foundation of development. Once you have health and education, and you’re able to pull people out of poverty, you’re developing. That’s all that is required.”
“Here, we are seeing those voluntarily caring for people, especially the poor and indigent. I really appreciate the man behind the success stories, Sir Emeka Okwuosa, for the great work and ask him to keep the flag flying.”
Obi described the world-class medical facility as impressive and commended the benefactor, Sir Emeka Okwuosa, for his initiative and benevolence.
He urged other well-meaning individuals and organizations to emulate the gesture.
“These milestones represent an immediate and substantial contribution to improving healthcare and saving lives, thereby supporting a healthier and more prosperous society.
“As I have often stated, we can collectively build a better society where the needs of children, the vulnerable, and the underprivileged are met. We must all work hard and sacrifice for a new Nigeria that is possible,” Obi said.
As a former governor of Anambra State, Obi has been recognized for his contributions to healthcare and education in the state, including the construction of a teaching hospital.
Recently, he donated ₦10 million to the Our Lady of Lourdes College of Nursing Sciences in Ihiala, Anambra State, in addition to his initial donation of ₦20 million.
According to Dr. Chidimma Okoye, Executive Director of the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation, the hospital has performed 117 open-heart surgeries for adults and pediatrics since its inception, valued at $457,089,129.
The surgeries were carried out by 83 health personnel, with 47 being free for children and 70 subsidized for adults.
The hospital partners with the Vincent Ohaju Obioma Memorial (VOOM) Foundation to provide open-heart surgeries twice a year.
Okoye noted that admission is based on the nature of the surgery, determined by surgeons, without favoritism or tribalism.
Okoye solicited collaboration from other donors to ensure uninterrupted operations, citing the high cost of logistics, N500 million per mission.
“We had this last child in the ICU who was a miracle, and we’re proud of that. I’m particularly thrilled that the surgeons didn’t lose hope in the process.
“The child is so happy. The father was here yesterday, shedding tears of joy. These are the things that make me happy, as well as give me pleasure and courage to continue pushing on.
“I’m very fulfilled because saving lives has been my passion. This is my 17 years of experience. I travel to remote countries and states rendering these life-saving services.”
Dr. Okoye also praised Obi’s visit and support, saying it would help encourage more donors to support the hospital’s mission.
The Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital has also performed two vascular surgeries and 10 interventional cardiology procedures.
