The message for the 5-day medical mission was widely spread. The church advertised the free medical clinic for several weeks before our arrival and we also made use of the local towncrier. People started queuing up as early as 6 a.m. and stayed until they were seen and attended to by the medical team. 

As it is the mission and objective of the Obi Heart Foundation to reach out to the less privileged people in our society and environs, most of our patients were elderly people; also in attendance were teenagers and children.  

The team of volunteer doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and ophthalmologists provided services ranging from medical consultations, diabetes and blood pressure management, malaria and typhoid treatment, pain and HIV management, eye examinations and the provision of reading glasses to the patients. Every member of the group played a key role in the success of the mission. Under the able leadership of the Director, Obi Heart Foundation (Mr. Okechukwu Obilor), the medical team had the opportunity to collaborate with the community leadership in providing medical care and health education to the local communities where access to healthcare is limited. 

The mission provided outpatient clinics and a total of 2220 members of the community and neighboring communities benefited from the mission. A total of 980 patients were referred to hospital due to vision changes, HTN, diabetes, BPH, asthma, wound care, infection, etc. Most of our beneficiaries are underserved individuals who cannot afford to visit a private or government-owned hospital for treatment. Registration tables and triage desks were set up to take care of the large crowd throughout the medical mission

• Blood Pressure: 450 patients served

• Diabetics: 330 patients served

• Eye Exam/Reading Glasses: 200 patients served

• Pain/Asthma Management: 345 patients served

• Cholesterol Management/HIV: 290 patients served

• Malaria/Typhoid Fever: 505 patients served

• Wound/Rashes/Cuts/Infection: 100 patients served

• Patients With 2 or More Cases: 1050

Total Patients Seen: 2220

• 0 - 4: 35

• 5 - 12: 70

• 13 – 17: 155

• 18 – 49: 825

• 50+: 1135

Referred: 980

Gender:

• Male: 970

• Female: 1250

Most of the patients seen have pre-existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, benign prostatic disease, arthritis, and cholesterol without knowing it. Some complained mostly of malaria and typhoid, ulcers, heartburn, pain, migraines, etc., which are prevalent there, not knowing that they are carriers of this other illness. The good thing about this mission is that all the patients received some medications from the pharmacists after getting prescriptions for their illnesses from the physicians. They received an assortment of prescription and over-the-counter medications based on their individual complaints and diagnoses. It gave us a very realistic awareness of the everyday realities of what the community is experiencing because of the inadequate and costly healthcare system. We saw patients in challenging physical conditions, but it was incredibly and immensely rewarding. We worked hard for this, knowing fully well that we had made a difference in the lives of the patients and their communities. We shared joy in caring for patients who may not otherwise have had access to medical care. It was awesome, without the cumbersome charting and administrative burdens we have in our workplaces. We felt valued for our work and our skills.  

Additionally, at the conclusion of the medical mission, the reusable equipment, devices, and supplies were washed, sanitized, and cleaned and donated to the partnering hospitals. The remaining medications were also protected from contamination during storage and given to them as well. About 12 different hospitals and health centers benefited from these gestures, especially the ones in rural communities. We encouraged them to put the medications to good use and on time as well.  

Our goal at the conclusion of the mission was to support the local hospitals with these donations, assist them in addressing the inadequate medical and medication supplies, and also assist them in providing primary care needs, including chronic disease management, medication refills and acute illnesses.  

It is so true that this is a short-term medical trip but the joy and happiness we saw in the people’s faces is overwhelming. We provided a temporary solution to a chronic problem, and it made a lasting difference in the health care of the people. The patients were able to tell us that they have received something even more valuable—this intangible something that leaves you feeling more satisfied, blessed, loved and thankful. Having the opportunity to become involved in the relief effort was a blessing and indeed rewarding in more ways than I can express. For this, I am very grateful.

To the glory of God, the mission was well planned, executed, well attended and a huge success. We thank our donors for their kind contributions and donations. May God provide you with the zeal, commitment, financial and material prowess to continue to reach out to the underserved in our societies. You have done well; you have succeeded. Keep fighting the good fight. Only the best is good for you. Thank you very much for helping us bring succor and love to them. Special thanks to Dr. Ike Ebubedike of Ebubedike Memorial Hospital and Maternity and his wonderful team, and thanks to Dr. Ijeoma Opara and the Management of Emekuku General Hospital. 

Hospital, and also to Dr. Gladys Ijeoma Onyejiji, you are appreciated for all your assistance. We also thank the youths of Umuaghara Ogbe Ancient Kingdom for providing security to life and properties, especially the village head, Isi Nze Lawrence O. Efekalam. To all our volunteer medical team, thank you. You have done your best to make this mission a success. We hope and pray for a much bigger mission next time. Thank you.