By Nna Anulumadu
The Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke on December 26th 2023, paid a one day pastoral visit to Immaculate Heart Hospital & Maternity Umudioka where he commissioned a Afreka Radiology complex.
The event attracted the presence of priests, the religious and friends of the hospital.
In a welcome address, the hospital management extolled the Archbishop for spiritual and humanitarian achievements he has achieved in the discharge of his duties as the Archbishop of Onitsha. They congratulated the Archbishop who marked 70th birthday, remaking that for the past years, he has given himself entirely to the service of God and humanity.
The management further highlighted their achievements which included commencement of orthopedic clinic which holds every week, clearing of the 40ft container of medical goods, purchase of 4D ultrasound machine to beef up the ultrasound unit .
The management via the address commended and appreciated some philanthropists who have been supporting the hospital in various ways and they include Ernest Chukwudi Okonkwo in association with MEPHIDA, Germany, Bassam and Rita Aflak from Australia, Divine Humanitarian International foundation, individuals and others groups.
Responding, Archbishop Valerian Okeke praised the efforts of the management led by the hospital CEO Rev Fr Linus Uchenna Ezedinachi in taking the hospital to an enviable height. He recalled that in the past, the place where the hospital situated was just mere motherless babies home before his intervention years ago, expressing satisfaction that presently the hospital has been upgraded to an international standard where patients can access quality health care at an affordable price. According to him, Umudioka people and neighboring communities may not need to travel far away to get treated since the said hospital has been equipped with the necessary machines to diagnose and handle health cases.
The hospital CEO Fr Ezedinachi in appreciation poured encomiums on the Archbishop for his visit, revealing that the prelate is the brian behind the development and huge success the hospital is recording. He also thanked his staff and workers for their commitment and sacrifices.
