The Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF), in partnership with the United States-based Vincent Obioma Ohaju Memorial (VOOM) Foundation, has announced the fifth biannual adult open-heart surgery Medical Mission and Health Fair which will be held at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital (DIOMH) in Oraifite, Anambra State.
The partners in a statement on Monday stated that the adult open-heart surgeries will run from 16th May to 2nd June and will be the third-year partnership between SEOF and VOOM in bringing essential cardiac care to the Nigerian healthcare sector.
In addition to the open-heart surgical mission, the community health fair will also target common ailments prevalent in underserved areas, extending medical treatments and services to the people of Oraifite and beyond at no cost.
Speaking on the collaboration, Mrs Chidimma Okoye, Executive Director of the Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation, stated that over the past two years, the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital has been at the forefront of cardiothoracic health, performing 69 open-heart surgeries in Nigeria, the highest in the country.
Okoye stressed that this milestone underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class cardiac care to the community, adding that DIOMH ─ standing as a beacon of excellence in Nigerian healthcare ─ is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including the Philips Incisive CT scan machine, a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation laboratory, multi-modality ultrasound machines, and advanced laboratory equipment.
She further stressed that the hospital boasts a state-of-the-art ICU with cardiopulmonary support and a 24-hour critical care ambulance service integrated with the Anambra State emergency response service.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the VOOM Foundation to expand access to life-saving cardiac procedures in Nigeria. This initiative aligns with our mission to improving healthcare outcomes and reducing medical tourism,” she said.
Okoye stated that the SEOF’s open-heart surgeries in Nigeria will be offered at a subsidised rate, addressing the issue of medical tourism by providing affordable cardiac care locally.
“This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients who would otherwise travel abroad for treatment, often spending thousands of dollars in the process,” she said.
Ms Shawn Andaya-Pulliam, the Executive Director of the Vincent Obioma Ohaju Memorial (VOOM) Foundation, noted that the foundation comprises volunteer medical professionals ─ from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, and Duke universities ─ dedicated to serving underserved communities.
She added that with a focus on open-heart surgery in Nigeria, the foundation’s mission extends beyond medical intervention to community empowerment, education, and sustainable healthcare solutions.
“Our team is honoured to contribute our expertise to this critical endeavour. Together, we can make a profound impact on the lives of those in need,” Andaya-Pulliam said.
