The First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has officially flagged off the 7th edition of the Free Medical Outreach and the 1st International Medical Outreach in Calabar. The initiative, spearheaded by her NGO, Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative (HUWIB), is being conducted in partnership with Faithcare Outreach International at the General Hospital, Calabar.
Speaking at the launch event on Tuesday, Bishop Otu highlighted the extensive reach of the programme across all three senatorial districts of the state.
“So far, the free medical outreach train has covered the three senatorial districts of our dear state and is now on a second round,” she stated.
She praised the continued collaboration with Faithcare International, noting its significant impact. “Together, we have brought smiles—and even tears of joy—to thousands of Cross Riverians and Nigerians living in our state,” she said.
Bishop Otu revealed the outreach has delivered 705 free surgeries, 2,138 eye care services, 807 dental procedures, 898 lab investigations, and over 5,000 general consultations, in addition to the achievements from the first edition, which reached all 18 LGAs.
Expressing gratitude to her husband, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, she emphasized his vision for a healthier Cross River State and his commitment to a legacy of well-being for all citizens.
Team lead of Faithcare Outreach International, Prof. Peter Schnatz, commended the First Lady’s compassion and reaffirmed the team’s dedication to supporting those who lack access to quality healthcare. HUWIB Programmes Manager, Jeffrey Adamade, added that the outreach includes major and minor surgeries, eye and dental care, counseling, general consultations, and free drug distribution.