Ritatina Health Care Foundation Marks One-Year Anniversary, Offers Free Medical Tests
Mr Magnus Ezeala and Dr. (Mrs.) Chidimma Ezeala, PhD cutting the anniversary cake
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
It was a historic occasion as the Ritatina Health Care Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), celebrated its one-year anniversary by offering free medical tests to the public.
Participants received a variety of free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, body temperature assessments, heart X-rays, ear examinations, and weight measurement, among others.
The event took place at the playing ground of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Onitsha branch, shortly after a Holy Eucharistic Mass officiated by Very Rev. Fr. George Nzenwaoba at SS John and Paul Catholic Church (IBA Pope), Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
In her opening remarks, the founder of Ritatina Health Care Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Chidimma Ezeala, PhD, stated that the foundation was established on September 25, 2024.
She explained that her inspiration stemmed from her unwavering belief that good health is a fundamental human right and a critical foundation for a fulfilling life.
She said that the mission of the foundation is to promote health and wellness through innovation and compassionate care.
One of the key strategies toward achieving this, she noted, is helping individuals access the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA).
Dr. Ezeala expressed deep gratitude to various groups and organizations that have supported the foundation’s medical outreach efforts.
These include the CMO Sports Group IBA Pope, Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Fizel, CMO SS Peter and Paul IBA Pope, St. Rita Zone (St. Joseph), CWO Holy Trinity IBA Pope, Ubwa Foundation, Royal Gold Friends Club of Lejja, Nigeria, CWO Holy Trinity Parish Awka-Etiti, Light of Nation Foundation, and CWO Osuachara Isiala Mbano, Imo State, among others.
She also highlighted some challenges facing the foundation, including lack of medical equipment, insufficient funding, absence of a vehicle, shortage of chairs and tables, and the need for a permanent venue for their monthly medical outreaches.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Head of Communications of the foundation, Comrade Faith Onyemuche, praised God for sustaining the organization and making it possible to reach the one-year milestone.
She revealed that the Ritatina Health Care Foundation has impacted over 5,000 lives through its free medical outreaches, health seminars, health insurance enrollments, provision of medications, massage therapy, and more.
Other humanitarian interventions carried out by the foundation—thanks to the generosity of kind-hearted individuals—include scholarship awards, payment of hospital bills, and visits to orphanages.
In an interview with journalists, Dr. Ezeala expressed her interest in partnering with both state and international governments.
She noted that the foundation organizes medical outreaches every Wednesday, where participants are educated on the importance of regular health checkups.
Speaking at the event, the co-founder of the foundation, Ambassador Magnus Ezeala, stated that his motivation to support the health initiative stemmed from a desire to help people maintain good health.
He lamented the healthcare situation in Nigeria, where many are ill but lack the resources or knowledge to seek appropriate treatment.
Similarly, a cousin of Dr. Ezeala, Chief Ebele Vincent Ifeakwurugo, described the foundation’s work as a charitable mission. He expressed admiration for his cousin’s commitment and called on well-meaning individuals to support the initiative.
Dignitaries present at the event included:Professor Chukwu Okereke Vincent, Associate Professor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Chairman of the occasion;Dr. Ambassador Nkeiru Duru, founder of United Business Women Association;Uche Techular, representative from the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme;Moses Ezeala;Herritha Ozoigbo, former CWO President, IBA Pope, Awada;Emelda Ifeakwurugo;Rev. Sister Theresa Ezeokobe, Matron of the foundation;Mrs. Eberechukwu Attah and Dr. Buchi, among others.
Highlights of the event included a health talk, magazine launch, inauguration of patrons and patronesses, award presentations, and the distribution of gifts.
