The All Aro USA Medical Clinic and Aro Health Committee in Arochukwu, on August 2, 2021, opened its doors to the residents of Arochukwu community and beyond, for free medical services.
Speaking while flagging off the free medical service, the Minority Whip/member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Mike Onyekwere Ukoha, explained that the clinic started in the year 2000 as a project built by Aros in the Diaspora for the benefit of their folks at home.
He said the idea of the project was mooted during the visit of Eze Aro, Mazi Vincent Ogbonnaya Okoro (now deceased) to Washington, DC., in the United States.
He thanked all Aros in the Diaspora for their contributions towards making the clinic a reality.
The lawmaker specifically thanked the major contributors to the project. They include Mazi Eni Paul Kanu, Mazi Jay Oji, Dr. Okey Ijomanta and Mazi Dave Iphie.
He also expressed appreciation to Sir Chikwe Udensi, Dr. Alex Otti, both of whom, he said, contributed hugely to the project.
Hon Ukoha specifically thanked Dr. Ijomanta for facilitating the borehole and providing medications; Mazi Iphie for the recent renovation works and providing accommodation for the two corps members – a doctor and a pharmacist – currently serving at the clinic.
He said over the years, the clinic had passed through struggles in a bid to provide the envisioned primary healthcare, adding that under Dr. Henry Onyeador the Inyom Aro Houston, Texas, built and equipped the maternity block.
He noted that “Mazi Frank Agodi, using the AAUSA Clinic Committee and working with Aro Health Committee, actualized what we are witnessing today.” The AAUSA Clinic and Aro Health Committees were chaired by Mazi Dave Iphie and Dr. Okoro Ukpabi respectively.
Hon Ukoha did not fail to appreciate the efforts of Dr. Okoro Ukpabi, Dr. Loveth Oji and Dr. Catherine Ukoha.
He also gave kudos to the President General, Nzuko Aro, Mazi George Ezuma, members of the Aro Healthcare Committee, AAUSA Executive President and members “for the excellent work we all have collectively done”, and prayed God to continue to bless each and every one of them.
Reacting to the, the Central Working Committee of Nzuko Arochukwu thanked the Aro Health Committee led by Dr. Okoro Ukpabi and All Aro USA for the free medical mission to Aro community at the AAUSA Clinic.
Its President General, Mazi George Ezuma, and Secretary General, Mazi Anicho Okoro, in a joint statement, said: “We are aware of the enormous work that was deployed to get to this stage and must acknowledge the sacrifices and financial contributions of Aro health professionals at home and abroad towards the take off of the programme.
“To guarantee sustainable health care in our neighborhood, the rebuilding of the crucial parts of Aro General Hospital is at the final stage and the State government has indicated readiness to reward our efforts by stepping up services. This will ensure full coverage of the community.
“Nzuko Aro uses this opportunity to request the PGs of villages to kindly take steps to bring the free medical care opportunity to the knowledge of our people at the household level.”
Prof Okoro Ijoma gives perspective
I am glad to report that AA USA clinic opened its doors today to the Aro community for free medical treatment. At 10.30 am, I was at the clinic to flag off the project, joined by Sir Dave Imoko and Hon Mike Ukoha.
The Manager, Mrs. Lovina Okoro, accompanied by Drs Nnorom, Akweke, Okugo and a youth corps doctor took us round to see the facilities. Everywhere in the clinic was clean and orderly.
Thereafter, we took turns to address the staff and patients.
The Manager introduced the staff and said that they were highly encouraged by our presence and stressed that today’s event was a culmination of the cooperative effort of Nzuko Aro and the Healthcare Committee.
Dr Nnorom, in his contribution, advised the staff to be diligent and selfless in carrying out their duties and promised to provide names and contacts of Aro senior doctors that could be reached for professional advice when the staff have problem.
Hon Mike Ukoha traced the history of the clinic, paying glowing tribute to Jideofor Orji, Eni Paul, Dave Iphie, Okoro Ukpabi, Henry Onyeador, Frank Agodi, among others.
In flagging off the project, I thanked the patients for coming, and pleaded with the staff to demonstrate a high sense of honesty and commitment to their work and assured them that their emoluments would be regularly paid.
I also reminded all present that the services of the General Hospital and the clinic would complement each other. I then submitted myself for bp check by a nurse and then by Dr Nnorom.
Both of them independently pronounced that the bp was normal. I believed them; I had no choice. I particularly congratulate Dr Okoro Ukpabi and his team for their relentless pursuit of the scheme. God will surely bless all who made the sacrifice in kind and cash.
By Chimezie Okoroafor
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