Over 380 Residents Receive Free Medical Care from PAMO Hospital

More than 380 residents of Rivers State have benefited from a free medical outreach organized by PAMO University Teaching Hospital. This initiative forms part of the activities celebrating the 2025 PAMO University of Medical Sciences Convocation Ceremony, showcasing the institution’s commitment to community health.

Healthcare Access for Underserved Communities

Dr. Akaninyene Ubom, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at PAMO Teaching Hospital, announced the initiative’s impact during the outreach, which began on October 10, 2023. He emphasized that the program aims to provide essential medical services to those who struggle to afford healthcare in Nigeria, where high treatment costs often leave low-income individuals without adequate care.

This outreach is a vision of Dr. Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers State and founder of both the university and the hospital. Dr. Ubom stated that the initiative is designed to reach hundreds, if not thousands, of indigent Nigerians who face barriers in accessing necessary medical treatments. He noted, “Nigeria has a significant burden of disease, from infectious diseases to chronic non-communicable diseases, compounded by a high level of poverty.”

To address this challenge, PAMO Teaching Hospital has implemented various surgical procedures aimed at alleviating suffering. The initiative has included 12 categories of surgeries, such as breast lump removal, eye surgeries, and appendectomies. Dr. Ubom highlighted that this outreach not only serves to treat but also to educate the community about healthcare accessibility.

Real-Life Impact of Free Medical Services

Among the beneficiaries was Favour Mbade, a 46-year-old widow from Rivers State. After undergoing a prior surgery for colon cancer, she developed a hernia, for which she sought treatment. She expressed her gratitude for the hospital’s outreach, sharing that the previous facility quoted her over ₦1 million for the surgery. “This surgery came to me for free; what more can I say? Thank you so much, PAMO Hospital,” she stated from her hospital bed.

Another patient, Festus Egbe, aged 52, traveled from Abuja to receive treatment for a hernia he had endured for 15 years. His testimony underscored the outreach’s significance, as he thanked the organizers and encouraged public-spirited individuals to support similar initiatives to help more people in need.

Dr. Ubom reiterated that PAMO Teaching Hospital is dedicated to providing world-class healthcare at an affordable cost. In a bid to enhance accessibility, he revealed that treatment fees were recently reduced by 50% to accommodate more patients. The outreach reflects a broader commitment by Dr. Odili to ensure that healthcare is available to both the affluent and impoverished, reinforcing the hospital’s mission to serve all members of society.

This initiative is a notable example of how healthcare facilities can impact community health positively, particularly in regions where medical access is limited. As PAMO Teaching Hospital continues its outreach efforts, many residents are hopeful for ongoing support in addressing their health challenges.