Hope for Women as Free Fibroid Surgeries Begin at Enugu-Ukwu Under Soludo’s Healthcare Initiative

By Stanley Nwako

Free fibroid surgeries have commenced at Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital as part of a statewide medical outreach organised by the Friends of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo to commemorate the birthdays of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo.
The initiative, which provides free medical screening, treatment, and surgical services to residents of Anambra State, is designed to ease the financial burden on patients requiring specialised healthcare. The programme includes free myomectomy for women diagnosed with uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, alongside other surgical interventions being carried out at designated hospitals across the state.
Speaking at the commencement of the exercise, the Chief Medical Officer of Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital, Dr. Dozie Udeolisa, described the initiative as a life-changing intervention that is giving many women access to critical surgeries they would otherwise be unable to afford.
According to him, the high cost of fibroid surgery has placed treatment beyond the financial reach of many families, forcing numerous women to endure prolonged pain, discomfort, and other health complications for years. He noted that the free surgery programme is eliminating this barrier by providing the required treatment at no cost to beneficiaries.
Dr. Udeolisa explained that Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital is one of the designated centres selected for the medical outreach, where women who successfully completed the registration and screening processes are now undergoing surgical procedures.
He disclosed that comprehensive screening and medical evaluations were conducted before the commencement of surgeries to determine the suitability of each patient for the procedure. He added that a multidisciplinary team comprising experienced surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, laboratory scientists, and other healthcare professionals has been mobilised to ensure safe, effective, and successful operations.
The Chief Medical Officer further explained that the duration of each surgery depends on the patient’s specific medical condition, stressing that there is no standard operating time because every case presents unique clinical challenges requiring individualised attention.
He described the turnout of beneficiaries as encouraging, noting that many women who had postponed treatment due to financial constraints are now receiving the quality surgical care they need without paying for the procedures.
Dr. Udeolisa expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo and the Friends of the Governor for making the programme possible, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of compassion and a strong commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for the people of Anambra State.
Beyond fibroid surgeries, the medical outreach also features free cataract surgeries, glaucoma screening and treatment at the Anambra State Specialist Eye Centre, Nise, as well as free hernia surgeries at General Hospital, Umueri. Dr. Udeolisa encouraged eligible residents of the state to take advantage of the ongoing programme, assuring them that all surgical procedures and related medical services under the initiative are provided entirely free of charge and that beneficiaries will receive quality healthcare throughout the exercise.