Abia : Thousands Benefit From Benjamin Kalu Foundation Free Medical Care

Thousands in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, have started receiving free medical care through a programme organised by the Benjamin Kalu Foundation in collaboration with a Taiwanese medical team from the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps

The initiative, which began in Bende metropolis, is expected to extend to other communities, including Item and Uzuakoli, and could potentially reach beyond the local government area.

In a statement by the Chief press secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House of representatives, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the programme aims to serve between 5,000 and 10,000 people, providing treatment for a range of health conditions.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Agbamuzu, headquarters of Bende Local Government Area, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said the outreach underscores his commitment to placing people and humanity at the centre of his service, reflecting the core mission of his foundation.

“We do this periodically because we understand the needs of our people, and healthcare is one of the most pressing of those needs,” Kalu said. “This year, volunteers from Taiwan, who have spent the last three decades providing humanitarian medical services globally, saw the work we are doing and chose to partner with us to make a greater impact.”

According to him, the collaboration is a joint effort between the Benjamin Kalu Foundation and the Taiwanese team to bridge healthcare gaps for underserved populations.

“As we all know, the government alone cannot meet every need. As citizens, we also have a duty to contribute to the wellbeing of our people,” he continued. “I began this initiative even before joining public office, inspired by my late mother, who devoted her life to caring for the less privileged. That was how the Benjamin Kalu Foundation was born.”

Kalu further noted that the outreach has grown over the years, now attracting experts from across the globe, including Taiwan, Japan, the United Kingdom, and beyond.”

“Our goal is to attend to 5,000 to 10,000 patients during this programme. While we are starting here in Bende, because charity, as they say, begins at home, the medical team will also visit other communities such as Item and Uzuakoli. If time permits, the outreach could be extended to other parts of the state,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker expressed deep appreciation to the Taiwanese medical team for their support, noting that their presence would not only address immediate healthcare needs but also contribute to long-term capacity-building.

“I want to thank every member of the team and warmly welcome them to Nigeria and to Bende,” he added. “Before they leave, at least one or two Nigerian doctors will be selected for further training in Taiwan. This means the programme goes beyond treatment, it will empower our healthcare professionals to build on the skills and knowledge shared during this mission.”

PR Oduyemi Odumade