Former Defence Minister, Gen. TY Danjuma (Rtd) on Tuesday, inaugurated the Goodwill Medical Centre (GMC) in Umuchigbo community, Iji Nike, Abapka Nike Community, Enugu State. The multi-million healthcare facility was donated to the community and aimed at offering high-quality healthcare services. Funded by the TY Danjuma Foundation (TYDF), the hospital was envisioned by Prof. Uche Amazigo, a renowned Pro-Poor Public Health Specialist and former director of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
At the event, Danjuma commended Amazigo, highlighting her voluntary work as a trustee in his foundation for over eight years. He recounted their meeting in October 2010, where Amazigo, accompanied by two other female professors, proposed financial support for a low-cost, high-efficiency medical center.
The center’s focus on predominantly female medical staff providing healthcare services resonated with Danjuma. He lauded Amazigo and her team for their dedication and efficiency, attributing the project’s success to their efforts. He expressed his belief in women’s capability to efficiently deliver projects.
Amazigo, a former leader of a specialized United Nations Agency in global health, emphasized her experience working across impoverished regions in 19 countries. She revealed that the medical center’s concept stemmed from her interactions with impoverished communities and a desire to honor her former students at the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Highlighting the GMC’s objectives, Amazigo detailed plans for low-cost treatment for indigent patients, standard medical fees for the affluent, and efforts to enroll 1,000 indigent individuals in a health insurance program. The center would offer comprehensive health services, including maternal and child health, primary healthcare, laboratory, eye health, disease prevention, surgical services, and emergency care.
Enugu State Governor’s representative, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, praised Danjuma’s dedication to humanitarian efforts. He pledged the state government’s support for such initiatives, emphasizing partnerships for state development.
Chairman of Enugu East Council Area, Livinus Anike, commended Danjuma for his contributions to national development and assured support for the medical center. The council expressed readiness to assist the center where necessary, showcasing its conducive environment for such endeavors.
The inauguration marked the culmination of efforts to bring accessible and comprehensive healthcare to the community, showcasing collaborative efforts and commitment to improving healthcare access for all.
NAN