Anambra Moves To Slash Cost Of Fibroid Surgery In Government Hospitals
By Emmanuel Chigbata
The Anambra State Government says it will make fibroid surgery more affordable in government hospitals to improve access to quality healthcare for women across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, disclosed this while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee of the Anambra State House of Assembly. He said the decision followed the successful free fibroid surgery programme for about 60 women who could not afford treatment in private hospitals, where the procedure costs about ₦1.5 million.
Dr. Obidike explained that many of the beneficiaries had suffered years of severe bleeding and other complications, with some requiring blood transfusions before surgery. He attributed the success of the programme to the upgrade of general hospitals and the recruitment of specialist consultants, including gynecologists, across the state.
He noted that government hospitals, including General Hospital Okpoko, now have the capacity to carry out specialist procedures, revealing that 15 fibroid surgeries were performed at the hospital within one week. He added that more than 150 women registered for the programme, far above the initial target of 66 patients.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the ministry carried out over 70 free cataract surgeries and more than 100 free hernia surgeries. He urged residents to enroll in the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme to access affordable healthcare, stressing that the government’s priority is to save lives.The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Noble Igwe, commended the ministry and urged it to sustain quality healthcare delivery across the state.
