The Ebonyi State Government has launched a free medical screening and surgical intervention programme for men with prostate-related conditions, with eight prostate surgeries already successfully performed.
Governor Francis Nwifuru launched the programme at Izhamgbo General Hospital in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, announcing that men aged 40 and above would benefit from free treatment and surgery if diagnosed with severe prostate conditions.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Emmanuel Echiegu, the governor described the initiative as the first state health programme specifically targeted at men and urged eligible residents to take advantage of the opportunity.
The Medical Officer of Izhamgbo General Hospital and initiator of the programme, Ifeanyi Edeaja, confirmed that eight telescopic prostate surgeries had been performed successfully, with no reported complications or deaths.
He explained that the procedure, which could cost about two million naira, would be provided free to eligible beneficiaries. Medical screening, which ordinarily costs between ₦50,000 and ₦70,000, and other necessary tests would also be offered at no cost.
The Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, commended the state government for its commitment to healthcare development, adding that health insurance coverage for vulnerable groups had also been expanded.
Health officials urged men to undergo regular medical check-ups, stressing that early detection and treatment of prostate-related conditions could prevent complications and improve health outcomes.
One of the beneficiaries, John Ogbonna, who said he had battled a prostate condition since 2013, expressed gratitude to the state government, saying the intervention had given him renewed hope after years of difficulty urinating normally.
