….. As Enugu Govt assures continuous partnership
Over 1,800 patients from Enugu State and neighbouring communities have received life-changing surgical interventions from a two-week free Indian–Nigerian medical mission organised by the Rotary International Club at the State University of Science and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu state., says the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. James Ogbonna and the team leader, Prof Dr. Santhosh Sreedhar.
He disclosed that when he led the delegation of SUMAS , the Indian Medical team and Rotarians on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah on Friday in Government House,Enugu,
The medical team, VC and Rotarians
Speaking at the visit, Prof Ogbonna described the programme as a shining example of effective public–private partnership in healthcare delivery.
He expressed gratitude to the Rotary International Club and the Rotary Care Foundation for sponsoring the mission, which brought 16 medical experts—including 14 surgeons—and volunteers to the university.
Prof. Ogbonna said the visiting team worked with exceptional dedication, screening over 3,000 patients and carrying out more than 1,800 surgeries within the period. He noted that many patients were still trooping to the hospital, hopeful that the services would continue.
“If you go there now, you will still see people on the queue, thinking the programme is ongoing,” he said. “We have promised them that, working with our local surgeons and consultants, we will continue and even extend the period so that those already waiting can receive treatment.”
The team also trained medical personnel in SUMAS.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the medical team donated a significant quantity of modern medical equipment to the institution, adding that Governor Peter Mbah has assured the university of the immediate employment of personnel to ensure optimal use of the facilities.
He disclosed that the partnership with Rotary began last year, following sustained engagement and the appointment of a Chief Medical Director to coordinate the mission.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor of SUMAS, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, commended the medical team and described the initiative as historic and unprecedented in the South-East. He said the mission had reversed the trend of medical tourism, with Nigerians now receiving quality care at home.
“People usually travel to India for medical care, but today we have experts from India and elsewhere coming to SUMAS.
“I saw dental care, ophthalmology, surgeries, modern equipment, and even classroom teaching for our students and lecturers. This is unique and first of its kind in our region,” he said.
Prof. Ike commended a local Rotarian, Okwor, for building the bridge between Rotary in Nigeria and Rotary India, which made the mission possible.
Speaking, the Leader of the medical team, Rotarian Prof. Dr. Santhosh, a Dental Surgeon and Consultant Periodontist, thanked Governor Mbah for the strong support given to the mission.
He explained that the team comprised 16 specialist doctors who worked alongside SUMAS medical personnel for two weeks, providing treatment and training resident doctors, nurses and paramedical staff.
According to him, the Indian–Nigerian Medical Mission, implemented under the Rotary Foundation Global Grant No. 2577422, cost about 136,000 US dollars and combined humanitarian service with academic capacity building.
He said the mission recorded 737 cases in special and general surgery and gynaecology, 211 major surgical procedures, 398 ophthalmology cases, including 105 cataract surgeries, and managed a total of 869 patients.
Dr. Sandoch described the intervention as timely and life-changing, noting that it strengthened sustainable healthcare delivery and promoted international goodwill.
He expressed pride in the collective achievement and called for the immediate appointment of surgeons, pharmacists and doctors across all departments of the SUMAS Teaching Hospital.
Responding, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, expressed deep appreciation to the Rotary team, describing their intervention as invaluable. He said the human resources deployed and the equipment donated were beyond monetary valuation.
Expressing his appreciation, Governor Mbah said , “the significance of what you have done in the last 15 days can never be lost on us,.
“To engage and treat over 1,800 patients is remarkable. Rotary has once again demonstrated that it is truly a force for good, living up to its creed of service above self.”
He noted that health and education sectors remain emergency priorities for his administration, disclosing that about 15 % of the state’s annual budget was allocated to health, while over 33% was allocated to education.
Government Mbah said the state government is upgrading SUMAS into a full teaching hospital with improved infrastructure and equipment.
He announced that a 300-bed Enugu International Specialist Hospital, under construction will be completed by March 2026, assuring that it would meet world-class standards.
He assured that more medical professionals to operate the donated equipment will be employed.
He expressed the state’s desire to sustain and expand the partnership with the Indian Medical Mission and the Rotary International.
“We do not want this to be a one-off. You have left indelible marks in our hearts, and we want to remain in touch and continue to work together,” he said.
The governor also commended local Rotarians for their coordination and dedication,. He disclosed that the Rotary Club’s commitment to service has inspired him and his team to provide services to the people
