Group lifts 400 prison inmates with free medicare in Delta

Over 400 prison inmates at the Ogwashi-Uku prison received free treatment and medication at the flag off of 8-day Free Medical Outreach to prison formations across Delta State.

The Free Medical Programme, organized by the 05 initiative in conjunction with the Isioma Okobah Foundation and Medical Students from the Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia is targeted majorly at tackling common ailments facing prison inmates.

The wife of Delta State Governor and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa who flagged off the programme at Ogwashi-Uku prison appealed to wealthy Nigerians to remember those who are in dire need of assistance by sharing and showing them love as admonished by Jesus Christ saying that Jesus was an epitome of love.

Dame Okowa said the joint partnership for the 2017 Free Medical Programme was aimed at expanding the scope of the scheme with a view to accommodating more beneficiaries and bringing the facilities closer to the door step of the people.

The founder of Isioma Okobah Foundation, Dr. Isioma Okobah said the desire to give inmates a sense of belonging and promote love and care for the less privilege in the society inspired by the vision of the 05 Initiative motivated the free medical outreach which was given additional impetus by medical students from Georgia State University in the U.S.

Dr. Okobah remarked that the programme was an annual tradition of the foundation was package to compliment the policy objectives of the Okowa Administration in the health sector saying that government was committed to the achievement of efficient, quality and affordable health care for Deltans.

“At a time like this we should remember those who are in need and reach out to them as admonished by Jesus Christ in book of Matthew 25:25-36 and that is why we are here to put smiles on the faces of inmates”. She said.

Dr. Okobah who is the Chairman of the Delta State Primary Health Development Agency encouraged Deltans to live healthy by changing their life style and endeavor to visit hospitals to ascertain their health status periodically.

Earlier the Deputy Controller of prison in charge of the Ogwashi-Uku Prison Mr. Frank Okonkwo and the medical doctor in charge of prisons in Delta State Dr. Ogunbor Elliot commended the organizers of the free medical outreach for the gesture saying that the programme will give inmates a sense of belonging particularly at this period of yuletide.

The leader of the medical students Kayle Okobah said they were happy to participate in the scheme saying that it was worthwhile to provide free medication and treatment for the inmates.

During the programme inmates were medically examined by the team of doctors and provided with drugs to address their health concerns including arthritis, back pains, high blood pressure, cold and other common ailments while those who are visually impaired were given medicated glasses free of charge.

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba