FIC Report (Ebonyi State) – David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), in collaboration with David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), has conducted a free multi-specialty medical outreach for residents of Uburu community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The outreach, held at Ekeaja Market, Uburu, attracted medical personnel, villagers, market women, religious leaders, community stakeholders and other residents who turned out to benefit from the free medical services.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Nkiruka Folaranmi, said the outreach was part of the institutions’ efforts to bring healthcare closer to the host community.
Folaranmi urged residents to take advantage of the presence of the university and teaching hospital by seeking medical attention whenever they experience health challenges.
She cautioned members of the community against patronizing quacks, stressing that residents should visit qualified medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.
She added that the university considered the welfare of its host community in its projects and research activities, noting that the institutions could not claim to be making an impact if the local community was not benefiting from their presence.
Folaranmi appealed to the people of Uburu to remain committed to supporting the university and teaching hospital, while appreciating the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jesse Uneke, and the Chief Medical Director for sponsoring the outreach and providing the personnel required for the exercise.
Also speaking, CMAC of DUFUTH, Dr. Darlinton Ugorji, described communities hosting universities and teaching hospitals as “highly blessed.”
According to him, the outreach was part of the institutions’ corporate social responsibility aimed at giving back to the host community, particularly by providing medical care to people who may be unable to afford hospital bills.
Ugorji assured residents that the hospital’s services were affordable, adding that various federal government programmes were available to help reduce patients’ medical expenses.
In her remarks, the Provost of DUFUHS, Prof. Esther Ajuluchukwu, described the exercise as an important community health programme organised by the university in collaboration with DUFUTH.
She said the outreach was part of DUFUHS’s commitment to providing healthcare services, health education and practical training opportunities in medicine, nursing, pharmacy and laboratory sciences
She disclosed that 18 service stations had been established for the outreach, covering registration, vital signs assessment, screening and referral services,etc.
According to her, beneficiaries were screened for conditions including cervical cancer, HIV and prostrate cancer, while eye screening and treatment were also provided.
She emphasized that all drugs dispensed during the exercise were free of charge, adding that patients requiring specialised care would be referred to DUFUTH for further management.
BAKARE LAURETTA
HOC FIC ABAKALIKI
17/8/2026
