UPTH Premium, a private facility in partnership with the Teaching Hospital this week, formally launched her free surgical program with a press conference. The conference brought together leaders from the medical community, public health officials, partner organizations, and media representatives. The event marked the beginning of a two-week intervention designed to provide twenty (20) free surgical procedures, ten (10) Myomectomies and ten (10) Prostatectomies, to carefully selected patients who could not otherwise afford them.

In his opening address, Chief Operating Officer of UPTH Premium, Dr. Johnny Usifo welcomed guests and reiterated the hospital’s commitment to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities. He emphasized that the initiative was not simply a charitable gesture but a strategic and compassionate response to the pressing surgical needs of the populace. Dr. Usifo described the response as overwhelming, through the patient screening phase, noting that while only 20 patients could be selected for this round, thousands expressed need, exposing the deep surgical need burden many Nigerians face silently.

Representatives from key medical associations and institutions were present, including the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA, Rivers State Chapter), the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), the Association of Resident Doctors (UPTH), and the UPTH Medical Advisory Council. Their presence signified broad-based support for the program and the values it upholds.

Professor Datonye Alasia, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) UPTH, praised the initiative for embodying the core values of social responsibility and human-centered medicine He commended UPTH Premium for aligning with UPTH’s broader vision of accessible and compassionate care while reaffirming UPTH’s management’s support.

In his remarks, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, described the program as visionary. He lauded UPTH Premium’s decision to offer high-quality surgical care at no cost to beneficiaries, calling it a critical step toward restoring confidence in the local healthcare system. He encouraged the team to continue prioritizing patients with the greatest financial need.

National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Professor Rosemary Ogu, also applauding the initiative for sending a clear and inclusive message to the public. “Come,” she said, quoting the heart of the program’s ethos, “You may not be able to afford us, but we are here to ensure you can access the services you need.” Her words encapsulated the program’s spirit of compassion and accessibility.

While the program will directly benefit 20 patients in its current phase, the leadership at UPTH Premium made a broader appeal for partnership. Dr. Usifo invited public and private organizations, NGOs, donor agencies, and philanthropists to collaborate in scaling up the effort. With more resources, the hospital hopes to increase the number of surgeries, extend the duration of the program, and offer comprehensive post-operative care to even more patients.

The UPTH Premium in reach free Surgical Program stands not only as a medical intervention but also as a call to action, a reminder that equitable healthcare is achievable when institutions and communities come together in service of a common good. With continued collaboration, this initiative could mark the beginning of many more inclusive healthcare futures for all.