Open-heart surgeries: Peter Obi calls for expansion of healthcare initiatives in Nigeria

Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has called for strategic partnership and sustainable expansion of healthcare initiatives in Nigeria to ensure better health for Nigerians.

Obi, presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the last election in Nigeria, made this call when he visited the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF) and its partners at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital (DIOMH) in Oraifite, Ewusigo local government, Anambra State.

Obi’s visit was occasioned by SEOF’s ongoing pediatric/adult open-heart surgery and biannual medical mission, scheduled for September 19th to October 12th, in partnership with the Vincent Obioma Ohaju Memorial (VOOM) Foundation.

Obi commended SEOF and VOOM for their achievements over the past two years, which included, 117 open-heart surgeries, 10 interventional catheterisations (the first procedure in south-east Nigeria), and two vascular surgeries.

He expressed satisfaction with the partners’ work and charged them to continue to contribute to the development of the Nigerian healthcare sector.

He emphasised the urgent need to expand these medical endeavours to ensure that more lives are saved and better healthcare services extended to more vulnerable Nigerians.

Obi stated that a sustainable collaboration “between the government, private sector, and philanthropic organisations to ensure the sustainability and expansion of healthcare initiatives that address both pediatric and adult cardiovascular needs.”

The Executive Director of SEOF, Mrs Chidimma Okoye, thanked Peter Obi for the visit and for believing in the impact the foundation is making in the lives of Nigerians.

Okoye stated that the procedures carried out at DIOMH have offered critical medical interventions to children and adults who would otherwise have no access to life-saving care.

She stated that the partnership and support they have received are instrumental in providing critical care to those in need.

“But, as His Excellency pointed out, this is just the beginning. We urge everyone to join us in our mission to save lives. Together, we can create a healthier future for thousands of more children and adults across Nigeria,” she said.

The founder of the VOOM Foundation and a key partner in SEOF’s medical mission, Dr Vincent Obioma Ohaju, stated that their partnership with SEOF has saved many lives and they are proud of the strides they have made together.

“However, we know there is much work to be done. I urge individuals, organisations, and governments to commit to supporting initiatives like this so we can continue to transform lives through better access to life-saving medical care,” Ohaju said.

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