The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a statewide medical and surgical outreach across Taraba State, providing free healthcare services to thousands of residents as part of activities marking the 58th birthday of its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.

The initiative, which commenced on Monday under the party’s Renewed Hope agenda, is designed to expand access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities in the state’s three senatorial districts.

The organisers said the programme reflects the party’s commitment to translating its policy agenda into practical social interventions that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The first phase of the outreach, as noted by The Guardian, began at about 12 noon on Monday at the First Referral Hospital, Sunkani, in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba North Senatorial District.

The exercise , as made known by the organizers, will run until August 7, 2026, offering five consecutive days of free medical consultations, surgeries and other essential healthcare services.

The official flag off ceremony, according to them, is scheduled to take place on August 8, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

The outreach provides a comprehensive package of healthcare services, including free medical consultations, health screening, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses, the provision of medicines, wound care, emergency medical support, patient counselling, health education, and both free and subsidised surgical procedures.

To ensure broad coverage and equitable access, medical teams have been deployed to designated health facilities across the state’s three senatorial districts.

In the Southern Senatorial District, services are available at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari, and the General Hospital, Takum.

Residents of the Central Senatorial District are being attended to at the General Hospital, Bali, and the General Hospital, Gembu. In the Northern Senatorial District, healthcare services are being delivered at the General Hospital, Bambur, in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, and the First Referral Hospital, Sunkani, in Ardo Kola Local Government Area.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Health and the Libertad Health Foundation, a partnership aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery while easing the financial burden of medical treatment on residents.

Health experts involved in the outreach say the initiative goes beyond treating illnesses by promoting preventive healthcare through public awareness campaigns and health education.

Organisers believe that improving access to early diagnosis, routine screening and surgical interventions will contribute significantly to better health outcomes across the state.

The campaign is being driven by the theme, “Healing Lives, Restoring Hope, Building Healthier Communities,” while promoting the messages “Free Medical Services for All,” “Together We Celebrate Life and Service,” and “Renewed Hope, Better Health, Stronger Taraba.”

Residents from different parts of Taraba State are expected to benefit from the programme, which combines preventive care, curative treatment, surgical interventions and health education in an effort to improve community health and reduce preventable illnesses.

Beyond commemorating Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe’s 58th birthday, organisers describe the outreach as a demonstration of compassionate leadership and a practical investment in the health and well-being of the people.

They expressed optimism that the intervention would provide immediate relief to beneficiaries while reinforcing the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare as a cornerstone of sustainable development in Taraba State.