By Polycarp Ifeanyi
It was a memorable occasion as the Ritatina Health Care Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), celebrated its first anniversary with a free medical outreach.
The event, held at the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Onitsha playground, featured free health checks for participants, including tests for blood pressure, blood sugar levels, body temperature, heart conditions, ear health, and body weight, among others.
The celebration began with a Holy Eucharistic Mass officiated by Very Rev. Fr. George Nzenwaoba at SS John and Paul Catholic Church (IBA Pope), Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In her opening remarks, the Founder of the Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Chidimma Ezeala (PhD), said the organisation was established on September 25, 2024, inspired by her firm belief that good health is a fundamental human right and the foundation of a fulfilling life.
She explained that the Foundation’s mission is to promote health and wellness through innovation and compassionate care, adding that one of its key strategies is helping people access the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA).
Dr. Ezeala expressed gratitude to various groups and organisations for their steadfast support of the Foundation’s medical outreaches. They include the CMO Sport Group IBA Pope, Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Fizel, CMO SS Peter and Paul IBA Pope, St. Rita Zone (St. Joseph) CWO Holy Trinity IBA Pope, Ubwa Foundation, Royal Gold Friends Club of Lejja, CWO Holy Trinity Parish Awka Etiti, Light of Nation Foundation, and CWO Osuachara Isiala Mbano, among others.
She, however, noted that the Foundation faces several challenges, such as inadequate medical equipment, lack of funds, vehicles, furniture, and a permanent venue for its monthly medical outreaches.
In her welcome address, the Head of Communications of the Foundation, Comrade Faith Onyemuche, thanked God for sustaining the organisation and enabling it to reach its first-year milestone. She revealed that the Foundation has impacted over 5,000 lives through free medical outreaches, health seminars, insurance enrollments, drug distribution, and massage therapy.
She added that the Foundation, through the generosity of donors, has also awarded scholarships, paid hospital bills, and visited orphanages.
Speaking with newsmen, Dr. Ezeala expressed her desire to partner with both state and international governments, adding that the Foundation holds weekly medical outreaches every Wednesday, where participants are educated on the importance of regular health checkups.
Also speaking, the Co-founder of the Foundation, Ambassador Magnus Ezeala, said he was motivated to join the health initiative to help people maintain healthy lifestyles. He lamented that many Nigerians are unwell but lack the means or knowledge to seek proper treatment.
A cousin to the Founder, Chief Ebele Vincent Ifeakwurugo, commended her efforts, describing the Foundation’s work as a true act of charity and urging public support for its initiatives.
Dignitaries present included Prof. Chukwu Okereke Vincent, an Associate Professor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who chaired the occasion; Dr. (Amb.) Nkeiru Duru, Founder of the United Business Women Association; Uche Techular from ASHIA; Moses Ezeala; former CWO President, IBA Pope, Awada, Herritha Ozoigbo; Emelda Ifeakwurugo; Rev. Sr. Theresa Ezeokobe, Matron of the Foundation; Mrs. Eberechukwu Attah; and Dr. Buchi, among others.
Highlights of the event included a health talk, magazine launch, inauguration of patrons and patronesses, award presentations, and gift sharing.
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