By Abraham Ovuoba
October 5, 2026
Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has launched a free medical screening and surgical intervention programme for men, particularly those suffering from prostate-related conditions, as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and reduce preventable deaths in the state.
The exercise, held at Ezzamgbo General Hospital in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, attracted hundreds of men who benefited from free medical tests, while patients diagnosed with severe conditions are to receive government-sponsored treatment and surgery.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, said the initiative was significant as it was the first health programme specifically focused on men, noting that healthcare interventions had often concentrated more on women and children.
He said the programme was in line with Nwifuru’s health agenda, which includes the recruitment of medical personnel, provision of sophisticated equipment, expansion of health insurance coverage and establishment of a virology centre.
Similarly, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, said the administration had expanded health insurance coverage to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children under five, persons living with sickle cell disease, people with disabilities and the elderly.
Meanwhile, Medical Officer of Ezzamgbo General Hospital, Dr. Ifeanyi Edeaja, disclosed that the facility had successfully performed eight telescopic prostate surgeries without casualty, mortality or morbidity.
According to him, the hospital, which previously recorded between 35 and 60 outpatients monthly, now attends to more than 500 patients monthly, while deliveries and other surgical procedures had also increased.
Edeaja explained that the telescopic prostate surgery, which could cost about N2 million, would be provided free to eligible beneficiaries. He added that medical tests, which could cost between N50,000 and N100,000, were also fully funded by the state government.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health Care, Dr. Sabinus Nwibo, urged men to abandon poor health-seeking habits and embrace regular medical check-ups, warning that prostate-related conditions could become life-threatening when ignored.
Ohaukwu Local Government Area Chairman, Comrade Eze Paul Ituma, described the exercise as a landmark programme demonstrating the governor’s commitment to taking healthcare to the grassroots.
In his testimony, one of the beneficiaries, John Ogbonna, who said he had battled a prostate condition since 2013, expressed gratitude to the governor for the free intervention.
He described Nwifuru as “the best governor,” saying the intervention had given him an opportunity to overcome a condition that had severely affected his ability to urinate.
