Ex Minister Onyejeocha Vows to Sustain Free Medical Outreach, Targets 1,000 Beneficiaries

Former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, PhD, has reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining her annual free medical outreach, saying the humanitarian initiative is driven by compassion and family values rather than political office.

Fielding questions from newsmen today at Madam Suzanna MBA Health Centre Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area (LGA), Abia state, Dr. Onyejeocha said the programme, now in its 19th year, began long before she ventured into Politics and would continue regardless of her political status.

According to the former lawmaker that represented Umunneochi/Isuikwuato Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, the outreach is expected to provide medical care for about 1,000 patients this year, while more complex cases requiring specialised treatment would be referred to hospitals, with the medical bills covered by her.

“I started this before I entered Politics. It is a tradition in my family,” she said. “My grandmother cared for sick people, took them to hospitals, and even supported women through childbirth. I grew up watching her, and that spirit of service has remained with me.”

The 2027 All Progressive Congress (APC) Candidate for Umunneochi/Isuikwuato Federal Constituency, explained that her experience as a lawmaker for 16 years exposed her to the enormous healthcare challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians, reinforcing her resolve to continue providing medical assistance.

“The government is doing its best, but there are so many people to cater for. If everyone contributes in their little way, we can reduce unnecessary suffering and deaths,” she said.

Onyejeocha noted that while common ailments such as malaria, typhoid and minor surgical conditions can often be treated during the outreach, many patients now present with severe medical conditions requiring advanced intervention.

She cited the case of a baby born without an anus, whose family was reportedly asked to pay between ₦3 million and ₦5 million for corrective surgery.

“I could not simply refer the child to another hospital and walk away because the family cannot even afford ₦50,000. We have asked that such patients be admitted for treatment and the bills sent to me,” she said.

Beyond medical care, the former minister said the outreach also provides counselling and health education, encouraging participants to embrace preventive healthcare, attend antenatal clinics, take prescribed medications and live responsibly.

She stressed the importance of faith, describing God as the ultimate healer while urging beneficiaries to complement medical treatment with prayer and healthy living.

Onyejeocha also expressed gratitude that the outreach is now conducted in her privately owned medical facility, equipped with male and female wards, consulting rooms and other hospital facilities, thereby reducing operational costs.

She disclosed that although the facility previously suffered vandalism, with air conditioners, electrical fittings and other equipment stolen, the damaged infrastructure had since been restored.

On public healthcare reforms, Onyejeocha said she would continue to support policies aimed at improving healthcare delivery if returned to the National Assembly.

Rather than making promises, she said she would carefully scrutinise government health policies and contribute constructively through legislative oversight and amendments where necessary.

Addressing members of the public who could not be attended to immediately, Onyejeocha assured them that urgent cases would be prioritised, while others would receive treatment during subsequent outreach programmes.

She reaffirmed her determination to continue the initiative, expressing optimism that, with God’s help, the annual medical outreach would continue to bring hope and relief to vulnerable Nigerians.

By Ekebuisi Precious 

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