By Jude Michael
Two groups, Kanu Nwankwo Heart Foundation (KHF) and United Nigeria Airline (UNA), have partnered Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation to facilitate the conduct of open-heart surgeries in Nigeria.
The partnership was forged on Wednesday at Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital (DIOMH), Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra state, when the founders of the groups visited the hospital owned by the foundation for facility tour.
The founders of groups, ex-Super Eagles Star, Mr Kanu Nwankwo and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, were conducted around the hospital, where they inspected equipment and other facilities, which they both described as being of international standard.
Kanu who spoke to journalists after the tour announced that the partnership would ensure that more people who would have travelled out of the country for such surgeries are brought down to the hospital.
He said: “Nigeria needs more hospitals that conduct open-heart surgeries. We have over 200 patients on the KHF waiting list. Having more of this kind of hospitals in Nigeria would significantly help.
“It is a wonderful thing, with all the equipment we have seen here today at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital. This is what we pray for in the country, to help out in what we are facing in sponsoring surgeries outside the country.
“Now, we have a place in Nigeria, that has all the facilities needed, and good hands too to carryout the treatments. It will save a lot of cost and save more Nigerian lives.
“Kanu Nwankwo Heart Foundation will partner with Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation in the exchange of some patients for treatment and training of personnel,” Kanu said.
The founder of UNA, Prof. Okonkwo on his part said he was encouraged to partner with Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation for having the same vision with his company, which is giving back to society.
Earlier, Media and Communication Coordinator of the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF), Ebiuwairo Uwagboe,
enumerated some achievements of the foundation since its establishment in 2021.
She listed the achievements which were recorded in partnership with Vincent Ohaju Obiama Memorial (VOOM) Foundation to include; establishment of Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital in Oraifite, Anambra State with advanced Cardiothoracic facilities including a 128-Slice CT Scan, Cath Lab, 4D Ultrasound and ICU Ventilators.
Other achievements are the conduct of six biannual open-heart surgery missions, 118 open-heart surgeries (adult and pediatrics), 10 paediatric interventional catheterization in southern Nigeria, two major vascular surgeries (October 2024) and over $1.29 million invested in surgeries, equipment, consumables and logistics.
