The Honourable member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Akpanke has through his foundation, The Akpanke Foundation in collaboration with Healia Care and Scared Heart Hospital, commenced a one-week free medical outreach for his constituents at Sacred Heart Hospital, Obudu, Cross River State.
According to the foundation, the activities include Laboratory Investigations, Evaluation for Systemic illnesses(Hypertension, Diabetes, HIV, Hepatitis and others), Eye check and distribution of free eyeglasses, Dermatological Conditions(Skin diseases), Deworming of Under 5 school children, Free Surgeries (Minor and Intermediate Surgeries- Appendectomy, Lumbectomy, Uterine Fibroid, Lipoma Removal with surgical and post-surgical care, etc, and Health Education among others.
The team made up of over 30 health personnel is headed by Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko.
The target population is 2000 lives in 10 days.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen commended the lawmaker for the initiative.
A beneficiary, Celina Douglas from Bichiri noted that even before the medical outreach, Hon. Peter Akpanke had been carrying out other philanthropic works.
She said, “Hon. Akpanke is a good who has been helping widows and the less privileged. He provided food and clothes for the needy and scholarships for orphans.
“That is why we voted massively for him in the last election to continue his good works. By the special grace of God, he will keep higher and higher in his political career.
“This medical outreach is a blessing to our constituents. I pray that God will continue to bless him.”
In similar vein, another beneficiary, Mr. Peter Noah said Hon. Akpanke’s Initiative was highly commendable given that he has only been in office for barely six months.
“I’m Mr Peter Noah, a retired director in the ministry of health. I’m from Obudu, precisely, Oban ward.
“Hon. Akpanke has actually showcased a lot of things for us because he is not upto six months in office and we are seeing this type of free medical assistance. I’ve a problem with my eyes. They medical personnel gave me some drugs and eyeglasses. They even offer to do free surgery for me but I refused because at this age I really cannot go on this eye operation.
“The medical outreach has been wonderful. It means that if Hon. Akpanke is in office for four years, it would be a wonderful thing for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku people. So, I wish him the best. If there is anything like 10 tenure, we would vote for him to go for 10 tenure. Because just six months that he has been in office, we have been seeing a lot of challenges. I saw many things; empowerment and the rest.
“Health is the most important thing on earth. So, we are grateful to Hon. Peter Akpanke.”
Recall that during the yuletide, Hon. Peter Akpanke in collaboration with th4 Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, distributed the cash sum of N30 million and 900 bags of rice to constituents, for Christmas celebration.