Health is Wealth

29 Children Benefit from Free Open Heart Surgeries in Anambra Medical Mission

Written by Jerry Alomatu on October 16, 2024

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In a remarkable medical mission in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, 29 children underwent free open-heart surgeries, part of a larger initiative that provided treatment to 1,000 patients with various ailments. This effort was made possible by 82 foreign doctors from the United States, Sweden, and Canada, who collaborated with the VOOM Foundation and the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation.

The mission, held on Tuesday, included free cardiovascular evaluations, medical care, and medicated eyeglasses for those with eye conditions. Additionally, walkers were distributed to individuals with mobility issues, along with special gift packs for the community.

Mrs. Chidinma Okoye, Executive Director of the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation, reported that over 15 adults received subsidized treatment for similar heart procedures, while some were treated at no cost due to financial constraints. The mission also featured interventional cardiologists who performed catheterizations on 10 children, in partnership with Immaculate Heart Eye Clinic in Nkpor.

Okoye stated, “In this Sept/Oct Mission of the VOOM Foundation, successful free open-heart surgeries were carried out on 29 children while over 15 adults received a subsidized bill for the open-heart surgeries performed on them. Some adults who couldn’t pay the subsidized bills were operated on free of charge.”

She highlighted that since the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital’s inauguration two years ago, a total of 120 successful open-heart surgeries have been completed.

Shawn Pulliam, Executive Director of the VOOM Foundation USA, praised the dedication of the 82 volunteer doctors, while Rachael Crandall, Coordinator of VOOM Foundation Medical Missions, emphasized the mission’s significance and called for increased support from government and private organizations.