Residents of Omoku and neighbouring communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have benefited from a massive free medical outreach organised by the MEG Cancer Foundation in solidarity with humanitarian advocate Brother Felix Amechi Obuah, popularly known as Go Round.
The humanitarian medical programme, held at the Zonal General Hospital, Omoku, attracted thousands of residents seeking medical attention and featured free consultations, specialist services, medical screening, counselling, treatment of various ailments, medications, surgical interventions and referrals for cases requiring advanced care.
From the first day, the turnout exceeded the expectations of the organisers, as residents from Omoku and surrounding communities arrived in large numbers with various medical conditions.
Several surgical procedures were successfully performed during the programme, while other patients were assessed and attended to by the medical team.
Dakogol: ‘We Are Opening a Door of Hope’
Speaking during the outreach, the Founder and CEO of MEG Cancer Foundation, Dr. Magdalene Na’anyil Dakogol, described the initiative as a special moment for the Foundation and everyone committed to humanitarian service.
She said the outreach was not simply about providing medical treatment, but about opening a door of “hope, compassion, dignity and healing” for people who needed medical attention but could not afford it.
«“Today is a very special day for me, for the Foundation and for everyone who believes that humanity comes before everything else. We are gathered here not simply to open a medical programme, but to open a door of hope, compassion, dignity and healing for the people of Omoku and surrounding communities.”»
Dakogol explained that the programme was organised in solidarity with Brother Felix Amechi Obuah, whom she described as a fellow humanitarian whose support for communities has touched many lives.
«“For us at MEG Cancer Foundation, this is not about politics or recognition. It is about one human being helping another human being.”»
She noted that the Foundation was already providing free medical consultations and surgical services to thousands of people who had gathered from Omoku and neighbouring communities.
‘Let Cost Not Be a Barrier’
Dakogol said financial constraints should not prevent people from accessing essential healthcare.
«“Sometimes, what stands between a person and a healthier life is not the absence of a solution, but the inability to pay for it. Today, for this outreach, we are saying: let cost not be a barrier.”»
She called for greater collaboration among government, private organisations, philanthropists, healthcare professionals, religious and traditional institutions, as well as community leaders, noting that no single individual or organisation could address the challenges in the healthcare sector alone.
Felix Obuah Visits on Final Day
A major development occurred on the fourth day of the programme, which was originally scheduled to be the final day of the outreach, when Brother Felix Amechi Obuah visited the hospital to identify with the medical team and beneficiaries.
On arrival, he was welcomed by beneficiaries and supporters, who applauded his presence.
However, after seeing the large number of patients still waiting to receive treatment, several beneficiaries appealed to him to intervene and speak with the management and medical team about extending the programme.
Concerned that many of the patients might not be attended to before the scheduled closing of the outreach, Obuah appealed directly to the doctors, nurses and organisers.
He pleaded with the medical team to extend the programme by an additional day so that more patients could receive the care they had come seeking.
«“Please, I appeal to the doctors and nurses to kindly consider extending this outreach by one more day, at least to enable us to attend to those who could not be treated today.”»
Following the appeal, Dr. Magdalene Na’anyil Dakogol gladly accepted the request and agreed to extend the programme by one additional day.
The decision was received with appreciation by beneficiaries and members of the community, many of whom had remained at the hospital waiting for medical attention.
Medical Team Commended
Dakogol commended the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, surgeons, volunteers, partners and everyone who contributed to the success of the outreach.
She also thanked the people and leadership of Omoku for welcoming the Foundation and supporting the humanitarian intervention.
Turning to Brother Felix Amechi Obuah, she said:
«“To our brother Felix Amechi Obuah, I say thank you for your friendship, your support and your commitment to humanitarian services. May the spirit of giving continue to inspire you and more people to serve their communities.”»
Beneficiaries Express Appreciation
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the MEG Cancer Foundation for providing free access to healthcare, particularly the surgical services, medications and specialist attention provided during the programme.
They also commended Brother Felix Amechi Obuah for his support and intervention, particularly his appeal for the extension of the programme.
The extension will give additional patients who could not be attended to within the original schedule an opportunity to receive medical attention.
The outreach demonstrates the role humanitarian organisations and medical professionals can play in bringing healthcare services closer to underserved communities.
The MEG Cancer Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian service and improving access to healthcare for vulnerable people across Nigeria.
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