By Judith Eze
Bills of 72 indigent patients at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State was on Thursday, paid off by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) known as De Imperial Philanthropic Family.
The President of the foundation, Dr. Darlington Nwabunike while presenting a stagger N43,438,202 million cheque to cover the hospital bills of these patients to the hospital management, explained that this gesture is part of the organization’s ongoing project to spend N500 million on medical interventions in five states in the South East zone.
At the lunch of the event which took place at Alex Ekwueme federal teaching hospital auditorium, Nwabunike stated that the foundation’s mission is to assist the less privileged and vulnerable members of society.
In his remark, the Chief Medical Director of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Prof Robinson Onoh, appreciated the group for their generosity noting that the gesture underscores the impact of philanthropy in supporting vulnerable populations and highlights the importance of community support in healthcare.
Onoh who presented an award of appreciation to the team for their kindness stated that AEFUTHA serves patients from across the Southeast, parts of North Central and South-South Nigeria, including neighbors from Cameroon reiterating steadfast and resilient, to achieve excellence in healthcare delivery, training, and research despite challenges.
According to the Chief Medical Director : “We’re grateful for your generous support and compassion. We invite you to be part of our lasting legacy by supporting our Intensive Care Unit and Open-Heart Surgery Unit. The estimated cost for the basic equipment is ₦90 million.”
In their separate vote of thanks, The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the foundation, praising the foundation’s selfless act and commitment to improving the lives of others.
The beneficiaries, who had been discharged but were unable to leave the hospital due to unpaid bills, expressed their gratitude to the foundation. Some of them had been stuck in the hospital for months.
Highlight of the event was a the hospital’s presentation of an award of appreciation to the De Imperial Philanthropist Family for their generosity and distribution of cash gift to the beneficiaries to help them return home