Easter: 700 benefit from Chidoka’s free medical outreach in Anambra

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has identified quality education and good healthcare as crucial factors for a productive society.

Chidoka made the submission at the closing ceremony of a two-day free comprehensive medical outreach to Obosi, Idemili North Council Area of Anambra on Sunday.

The programme which was organized by the ex- minister’s outreach benefited 700 persons who treated free under the medical mission offered by a 12-man team of doctors, nurses and laboratory scientists.

Chidoka said both the private sector and government must work in a collaborative manner to bringing the services to the people. He said he was working with Nigerian volunteers in the Diaspora and within the country to take the medical outreach to every part of the state.

“We have figured out that two things are critical to the survival of any society; these are education and good health. Making it possible for people to have good education will prepare them for the society.

“But, if they don’t have good health, we cannot actualise that vision, so my attitude as an individual, is that we should contribute our own little quota, without calling on government all the time.

“Governments have promised health for all, governments have tried to bring healthcare to the people but of course you can see it is not available. What I have decided and I have been doing it for years very quietly is to bring the things we can do for ourselves to the people.

“So, starting from Obosi, we will take this medical mission to other parts of the state. I am in touch with some Nigerians in Diaspora who have volunteered to come for medical mission on their own with me providing local support.

“We are going to leverage on the network of doctors in Anambra who have volunteered to work with us on this medical mission. Government can do a lot, there is nothing like free education or free healthcare, somebody is paying somewhere.

“So what should be done is that in budgeting, government should fund healthcare and education through the private sector and not just building public institutions,” he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said his prime motivation for rendering the services was the memory of his grandfather, who was an amputee for 68 years, but could still train his 12 children because of the medical care he got in his time.

He said most Nigerians were destitute because of their inability to access medical help for treatable ailments.