Onyejeocha free healthcare programme marks 19 years
Former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has reaffirmed her commitment to providing free healthcare services to residents of Abia State, saying the initiative will continue whether or not she occupies public office.
The Onyejeocha free healthcare programme, now in its 19th edition, offers free medical consultations, surgeries, diagnostic services and treatment to thousands of beneficiaries across Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Federal Constituency.
Speaking during the opening of this year’s outreach at the Madam Suzanna Mba Health Centre in Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area, Onyejeocha said the project remains a personal mission inspired by faith, compassion and a lifelong commitment to helping vulnerable people.
She insisted that the outreach has never been designed as a political campaign but as a humanitarian intervention aimed at improving healthcare access for underserved communities.
Former minister says service comes before politics
Onyejeocha explained that her desire to provide free medical care originated from values she learned while growing up under the guidance of her late grandmother.
According to her, those early lessons on kindness, discipline and service continue to shape her public life.
She said her relationship with God motivates every edition of the outreach.
“What God said to me is that I should go and represent Him, and I will do what He sent me to do. If He says I have to take care of His people, then I have to take care of His people,” she said.
The former minister added that no political office could replace her commitment to serving people through healthcare.
She maintained that the Onyejeocha free healthcare initiative would continue regardless of future political developments.
Health centre reflects long-term commitment
Onyejeocha disclosed that she established the Madam Suzanna Mba Health Centre after observing that healthcare services had become too closely linked with politics.
She purchased the property, completed construction within six months and named the facility after her late grandmother.
She described the health centre as a symbol of family values and humanitarian service.
“This is not a government health centre. It has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with my covenant with my family and my God,” she said.
She noted that the facility supports healthcare delivery beyond the annual outreach and continues to provide services to surrounding communities.
Medical outreach welcomes everyone
The former minister directed doctors and volunteers participating in the programme to provide equal treatment to every patient.
She warned against considering political affiliation when attending to beneficiaries.
According to Onyejeocha, healthcare should remain available to every resident without discrimination.
“It is free for everyone, whether you belong to the APC, LP, PDP or ZLP. I represent everybody, and we all serve one God,” she said.
She also assured residents that every registered patient would receive treatment before the outreach concludes.
The outreach includes free medical examinations, surgeries, medication distribution, counselling and follow-up care.
Community leaders applaud humanitarian effort
Several community leaders praised the programme for improving access to healthcare in rural communities.
Labour Party chieftain Ike Opigwe said the initiative has remained consistent over the years because it is driven by compassion rather than politics.
He noted that the outreach has continued both during and after Onyejeocha’s time in public office.
Community leader Bethel Eze described quality healthcare as a critical measure of development.
He commended the programme for reducing the financial burden on families who cannot afford medical treatment.
Residents from Isuikwuato, Umunneochi and neighbouring communities have continued to benefit from the annual intervention, which provides specialist consultations, surgeries and other essential health services at no cost.
Healthcare initiative strengthens community wellbeing
The continued expansion of the Onyejeocha free healthcare programme highlights the growing importance of community-led health interventions in Nigeria.
As pressure on public healthcare facilities increases, initiatives like this provide additional support for vulnerable residents who struggle to access affordable medical services.
With the programme now in its nineteenth year, Onyejeocha said her priority remains improving lives through compassionate service, regardless of political office or changing circumstances.
The annual outreach is expected to conclude on July 30 after attending to all registered patients, reinforcing its reputation as one of the longest-running privately supported medical outreach programmes in Abia State.
