Over 500 traders in Enugu benefit from free medical treatment

No fewer than 500 traders in Ogbete Main Market, Enugu have benefitted from a comprehensive free medical treatment and counseling from Ezemba Oliver Foundation at the weekend.

The free medical treatment covered eye check and glasses; insecticide treated nets to pregnant and nursing mothers; sugar, blood pressure and malaria tests as well as free drugs and range of baby care products.

The Founder of the foundation, Comrade Oliver Ezemba, said that he was moved to invest heavily in the healthcare of the people, especially traders, to alleviate their health burdens especially those who cannot afford comprehensive medical treatment.

Ezemba, who is also a trader in the market, said that the foundation was spending over N2 million to get the materials and drugs for the free medical outreach; adding that it would be held at least once each two months inside the market.

“What motivated me is the passion to see people happy and healthy.

“As a businessman, who is in the health sector, I believe I can make impact in people’s lives especially the down trodden who cannot easily afford comprehensive and holistic medical care.

“I want to also assist the state government and our governor, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in caring for the people’s health and well-being as well as help to salvage the needy,’’ he said.

He also noted that the foundation would take care of people, who would be sent on referral during the free medical outreach.

Ezemba also said that his foundation had plans to take the free medical care to some rural communities; adding: “We are targeting to cover at least 10 local government areas in the state before the year runs out’’.

A beneficiary, Mr. Harrison Ugwu, lauded the foundation for the free eye test, pair of glass and eye drops given to him.

“For 32 years I have been selling in this market; this is the first time that a free medical treatment is being organized in the market.

“It is a big relief in that what I have received freely today will cost me nothing less than N21,000 in any eye hospital,’’ Ugwu, who is a trader in the market, said.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Innocent Achebe, thanked Ezemba for his care and love for fellow traders; adding that he had been a pillar of support to the progress of the entire market.

Achebe said that the foundation had given him some medication that would take care of his incessant typhoid and malaria sickness.

“I am grateful for the large quantity of drugs given to me today and I pray that God will continue to bless Ezemba and his business endeavour,’’ he said.

A laboratory scientist, Mr. Ikenna Okechukwu, who supervises the laboratory tests session during the programme, said that most traders were diagnosed of malaria at the event.