Sixty-two patients who were discharged from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla, but could not return home due to their inability to pay hospital bills, finally regained their freedom on Thursday, October 9. Their relief came after a Non-Governmental Organization, De Imperial Philanthropic Family, paid off outstanding bills amounting to ₦22.9 million, including those of patients whose treatments were suspended for lack of funds to purchase drugs.
In a heartwarming act of generosity, the Foundation’s President, Dr. Darlington Nwabunike, also gave each of the 62 discharged patients ₦30,000 as transport allowance to enable them return to their various homes. Addressing newsmen after the donation, Dr. Nwabunike explained that the gesture was part of the group’s ongoing ₦500 million medical intervention project aimed at assisting patients in hospitals across five South-East states. He said the project was driven purely by compassion and the collective resolve of South-East entrepreneurs and diaspora members to give back to society.
Dr. Nwabunike disclosed that the group had carried out a similar exercise earlier at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Ebonyi State, and would extend the initiative to other hospitals in Abia and Imo States in the coming weeks. He emphasized that “De Imperial Philanthropic Family” is made up of individuals passionate about humanitarian service, dedicated to rescuing indigent patients and ensuring they have access to medical care and dignity.
Representing the Chief Medical Director of UNTH, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, Dr. Charles Nonyelu commended the Foundation for what he described as the most impactful intervention from any NGO so far. He lamented the failure of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to adequately cater for the health needs of ordinary Nigerians, noting that the donation would greatly improve patient welfare. Prof. Bessy Nwagha, of the hospital’s Dermatology Department, also praised the Foundation, revealing that UNTH had created its own fund to seek support for needy patients. Overwhelmed with joy, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude, singing and praying for the Foundation that gave them a second chance at life.