By Streetnews
The First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Dr Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has officially launched the 7th edition of the Free Medical Outreach and the 1st International Medical Outreach, organized by her non-governmental organization, Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative, in partnership with FaithCare Outreach International.
The week-long medical outreach, which commenced on Sunday, June 16, and runs through Friday, June 21, was flagged off at the General Hospital, Calabar. The event attracted beneficiaries from across Nigeria and parts of Africa.
In her address at the opening ceremony, Bishop Otu revealed that the outreach has traversed all three senatorial districts of the state and is currently embarking on a second round of service delivery.
“So far, the Free Medical Outreach train has covered the three senatorial districts of our dear state and is now on a second round,” she said.
“The previous edition was held in Obudu, marking our second return to the Northern Senatorial District. Today, we are in Calabar, and 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.”
Bishop Otu praised the consistent partnership with FaithCare Outreach International, noting the program’s wide-reaching impact.
“Together, we have recorded remarkable milestones: 705 free surgeries, 2,138 eye care services, 807 dental care procedures, 898 laboratory investigations, and over 5,000 general consultations,” she said. “These figures are in addition to those reached during the first edition, which spanned all 18 local government areas.”
She also expressed gratitude to her husband, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for his unwavering support.
“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,” she said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, commended the First Lady for her consistent efforts to improve healthcare access in the state.
“She has proven beyond words that she genuinely cares about the health and well-being of Cross Riverians,” Dr. Ayuk stated.
Also addressing the gathering, team leader of FaithCare Outreach International, Prof. Peter Schnatz, who led the medical team from the United States, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and praised the First Lady’s dedication to the underserved.
“We are here to serve, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help those who cannot afford quality healthcare,” he said.
In a related development, the First Lady also launched the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme for senior citizens aged 65 and above. She was subsequently decorated as the Ambassador of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme.
Additionally, Bishop Otu flagged off an advocacy campaign for Measles and Rubella vaccination.
Highlights of the event included her personal enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and a guided tour of the outreach facility.
