Medical Mission Treats 1,000 Patients in Anambra State, Performs Open-Heart Surgeries on 29 Children

In a remarkable display of medical humanitarianism, a team of 82 foreign doctors from the United States, Sweden, and Canada have completed a medical mission in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government of Anambra State, treating over 1,000 patients, including a staggering 29 children who received free open-heart surgeries. The mission, coordinated by the VOOM Foundation and the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation, aimed to provide free cardiovascular evaluations, medicare, and medicated eyeglasses to individuals with eye conditions.

The medical team, comprising interventional cardiologists, performed catheterizations on 10 children, while also partnering with Immaculate Heart Eye Clinic, Nkpor, to address various eye issues. Additionally, walkers were distributed to individuals with mobility issues, along with special gift packs for the community.

According to Mrs. Chidinma Okoye, Executive Director of SEOF, 29 children received free open-heart surgeries, while over 15 adults received subsidized treatment for similar procedures. Some adults who couldn’t afford the subsidized cost were treated free of charge by the international medical volunteers.

Since the inauguration of the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital two years ago, a total of 120 successful open-heart surgeries have been performed, with the latest mission adding to this impressive tally. The success of the mission has been hailed by the Executive Director of the VOOM Foundation USA, Shawn Pulliam, who praised the commitment of the 82 volunteer doctors. The mission’s Coordinator, Rachael Crandall, described it as a significant milestone for the hospital, calling for further support from government and private organizations to continue providing much-needed medical care to those in need.

This remarkable display of medical humanitarianism highlights the critical need for continued support and collaboration between international organizations, local healthcare providers, and governments to improve access to quality healthcare for those who need it most.