1 week ago
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UYO – In a unique gesture to celebrate the 2025 Valentine’s day, the member representing Nsit Ubium state constituency in the Akwa Ibom State
House of Assembly, Barr Otobong Bob has so far sponsored free surgical outreach to 70 constituent members.
The three-day medical outreach, still ongoing at the primary health center, Ikot Edibon, Nsit Ubium LGA, has also examined and treated 930 patients of different kinds of ailment, including eye-care services, with 280 receiving free prescription eyeglasses.
To further address future health challenges in the area, no fewer than 1,500 residents have so far been registered for lifetime medical coverage under the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme of the state government.
The Sponsor, Barr Otobong Bob while addressing his people explained that his motivation was to provide a lasting gift that would improve lives beyond the symbolic celebrations of Valentine’s Day.
“I wanted to give my people a gift that truly matters—good health. This is why we ensured that beyond this outreach, many of them are now covered for a lifetime under the ARISE health insurance scheme, he said.
He assured that the initiative covers both indigenes and residents with need for critical healthcare services, at no cost.
Barr Bob used the occasion to extend gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for policies that have empowered lawmakers to positively impact their constituencies. He also commended the medical team for their dedication and prayed for the speedy recovery of all beneficiaries.
Dr. James Etiemana, a medical consultant and team lead, applauded the lawmaker’s initiative, stating that the intervention has so far addressed serious health conditions that could have remained untreated due to financial constraints.
While assuring that a team of experts were carefully selected for the outreach, Dr Etiemana assured that the team has so far seen 930 patients, conducted 70 surgeries and registered 1500 on the ARISE insurance Scheme of the state government. He said the number was still counting as the outreach would end tomorrow February 15, 2025.
The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Udeme Otong, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Kufre Edidem, commended Bob for his people-centered leadership. “He is an asset to the 8th Assembly. He sleeps and wakes up thinking about the welfare of his people, he said.
Also speaking, the political leader, Uyo Senatorial district and father of the sponsor, Senator Effiong Bob stressed the significance of the intervention, regretting that sickness, not witches, has killed many in rural communities.
He criticized leaders who focus on distributing motorcycles and food items while neglecting healthcare, adding that the outreach had exposed medical conditions, including hernias of unprecedented sizes, that required urgent attention.
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