From Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has commenced a month-long free prostate screening, surgery and treatment programme for residents, with over 1,000 men expected to benefit from the intervention.
The programme, initiated by the state government under Governor Francis Nwifuru, was flagged off on October 5, 2026, at Ezzamgbo General Hospital in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, where hundreds of men turned out for medical screening.
Under the programme, residents diagnosed with severe prostate conditions will receive government-funded surgery and treatment. The exercise is scheduled to run until November 5, 2026.
The Medical Officer of Ezzamgbo General Hospital, Dr Ifeanyi Edeaja, said more than 200 people participated in the screening on the first day.
Dr.Edeaja said preliminary tests, which ordinarily cost between N50,000 and N70,000, as well as telescopic prostate surgeries that could cost about N2 million, were being offered free of charge under the intervention.
He disclosed that the hospital had already successfully performed eight prostate surgeries without complications.
According to him, the intervention had also contributed to a significant increase in the hospital’s monthly outpatient attendance, from fewer than 60 patients to more than 500.
Edeaja urged residents suffering from prostate-related conditions to take advantage of the programme, saying the state government had provided funding for the screening, surgery for about 50 patients and treatment for 1,000 others.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu (DUFUHS), Prof. Jesse Uneke, urged men to make regular medical check-ups a priority.
Prof.Uneke said early detection of prostate-related conditions could help prevent complications and reduce the risk of death.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Sct. Eze Paul Ituma, described the intervention as a significant healthcare programme aimed at bringing medical services closer to residents at the grassroots.
He particularly encouraged men aged 40 and above to participate in the free screening and take advantage of the treatment and surgical services.
Ituma assured the medical team and hospital management of the council’s cooperation, adding that his administration would address water and sewage challenges raised by the hospital.
