-Hospital now equipped with sophisticated medical equipment, facilities
-Fr. Ezedinachi Speaks on Rampant Slumping and Dying, Offers Health Tips to prevent sudden death
By Nna Anulumadu
Immaculate Heart Hospital Umudioka is revolutionizing primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Recently, the hospital acquired multimillion-naira equipment to provide top-notch care at affordable prices.
Rev. Fr. Linus Uchenna Ezedinachi, CEO of the hospital, highlighted the improvements: “We’ve enhanced our workforce with well-trained doctors, staff nurses, midwives, and medical personnel. Our specialties include family medicine, general surgery, eye, orthopedic, cardiology, and gynecology clinics. We have a functional life ambulance, fully automated laboratory, blood banks, digital x-ray, echocardiogram, C-arm, Ultrasound, ECG, endoscopy, incubators, ventilators, and anesthetic machines.”
Fr. Ezedinachi attributed the hospital’s success to Archbishop Valerian Okeke’s vision and support. “His motto, ‘that they may have life and have it in abundance,’ guides our healthcare services.
With the Archbishop’s vision and support, Fr. Ezedinachi embarked on a journey to revitalize the hospital. He acknowledged the contributions of colleagues, friends, donors and family.
“Upon my posting, my mentor, late Fr. Patrick Omuta, said, ‘Father, you have the best posting.’ Initially, I didn’t understand such a statement, but he explained that I was destined to build and leave a lasting legacy here,” Fr. Ezedinachi recalled. In a special way, he extolled the current health coordinator, Onitsha Archdiocese, Very Rev Fr. Basil Ekwunife for his usual encouragement and support.
He appreciated Rev. Fr. Izunna Okonkwo ( CEO St. Charles Borromeo Hospital) Fr. Afam Ojukwu, Fr. Fabian Moedu Fr. Peter Anene ( consumables), Fr. Nonso Okoye( for water supply at the initial stage), Dr. Linus Ofia ( medical supplies) and the Immaculate Heart Sister who have worked tirelessly, adding that they all made significant contribution towards the growth of the hospital.
Others he commended included Fr. Kenneth Iloabuchi (contacts and support from Spain), Fr. Jude Onwukwu (digitizer donation) Mr
Chukwudi Okonkwo MEPHIDA Medical Physicists in Diaspora for Africa (equipment and technical support), Innoson Motors (ambulance donation), Dr. Reka and African Humanitarian International Foundation (free medical treatment).
“God has blessed us with dedicated workers who maximize our resources,” Fr. Ezedinachi said. “We’re grateful for the Archbishop’s guidance and financial support, enabling us to renovate, expand, and upgrade our facilities.”
Key achievements in the hospital he highlighted included renovation of hospital buildings, installation of modern medical equipment, establishment of laboratory and diagnostic services and provision of free medical treatment through partnerships.
Fr. Ezedinachi reiterated, “We thank our donors, benefactors, and well-wishers for their generosity. Your support has transformed Immaculate Heart Hospital Umudioka into a beacon of hope for our community.
He further disclosed that Dr. Reka and her team from African Humanitarian International Foundation will provide free medical treatment at the Hospital on Saturday, 16th November, 2024.
Fr. Ezedinachi further spoke on rampant slumping and dying, offers health tips.
“My advice to the people concerning their health is to prioritize regular check-ups, monitoring their sugar levels and blood pressure, especially if there’s a family history. Engage in regular exercise and, if you discover high blood pressure, seek medical attention promptly. Don’t rush to take drugs; lifestyle changes can often correct these issues.
Common ailments affecting older adults, such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, can be managed through simple adjustments: – Reduce alcohol consumption, be mindful of your diet, limit fatty foods, red meat, and processed snacks, increase intake of vegetables, fruits, white meat, and fish.
By adopting these habits, individuals can significantly improve their overall well-being.”
He noted that “slumping and dying” is a colloquialism in some African countries, referring to sudden or unexpected deaths, often due to untreated or underlying health conditions, stressing the need for regular medical check- up.
Hospital Matron Rev. Sister Maureen Veronica Eze (IHM) praised the hospital’s progress: “We’ve improved significantly, with many patients benefiting from our orthopedic, gynecology , cardiology, eye clinic etc. Our manager, Fr. Linus Uchenna, and staff are doing great.”
Patients Chukwuchebe Frank Favour and Miss Okeatu Kasiamuobi Sylvia testified to the hospital’s quality care: “The nurses are attentive, and the doctors know when to stop treating. I’ve seen significant improvement,” Frank said. Miss. Kasiamuobi added, “Without their help, I wouldn’t be alive today. God is working through this hospital.”
.
