Odita Sunday 
Prof Agbata Foundation Launches Monthly Free Healthcare Scheme for Indigent Patients in Awka
By Odita Sunday
For many struggling with diabetes, hypertension and stroke in Awka, access to regular medical care often remains a distant dream. But hope came alive at the weekend as the family of late renowned academic and pathologist, Prof. Anthony Ikpechukwu Agbata, unveiled a monthly free healthcare initiative aimed at saving lives and extending healthcare access to the poor and vulnerable.
The initiative, known as the Prof. Anthony Ikpechukwu Agbata Health Foundation, was established in honour of the late professor two years after his passing, with the mission of sustaining his legacy of service to humanity through regular medical outreach for indigent residents of Awka and surrounding communities.
The Foundation will provide free monthly medical services every last Saturday of the month at Ezi Umuanaga Agulu Quarter, Awka, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Speaking during the remembrance event, Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Henry Onwumbiko, described the outreach as a lifeline for patients battling chronic ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.
According to him, the Foundation offers comprehensive healthcare services including general health screenings, medical consultations, maternal and child healthcare support, health education, vision testing, as well as the distribution of essential drugs and reading glasses.
He noted that the outreach is being coordinated by a team of doctors, pharmacists, nurses and healthcare volunteers operating through Udora Hospital and Maternity.
In her welcome address, the facilitator of the Foundation and daughter of the late professor, Dr. Tochukwu Uyanwune (nee Agbata), said the initiative, themed “Bringing Quality Healthcare Closer to Our Community,” was inspired by the urgent need to tackle preventable deaths caused by untreated chronic illnesses.
Dr. Uyanwune, who is also the Lead Physician of the Awka Union of USA and Canada, explained that the programme would serve as a continuous intervention platform for youths and elderly persons living with chronic health conditions pending the annual international medical mission of the Awka Union USA and Canada.
She said the Foundation was the family’s way of giving back to the Awka community where their parents devoted their lives to community development, empowerment and human welfare.
“Many young people are dying from diabetes, hypertension and stroke because they are not getting treatment early enough,” she lamented.
“We want people to continue caring for their health until we return again.”
The medical expert further expressed sadness over the frequent reports of untimely deaths within the community, saying the outreach was designed to improve life expectancy and reduce avoidable deaths among indigent residents.
“I feel fulfilled and happy because it is a way of giving back to the community. We came all the way from the USA and Canada to assist the youths and elders who have chronic health conditions to live healthier and longer lives.
“This is our own little way of preventing untimely deaths. It is our widow’s mite to healthcare,” she added.
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