UPTH Premium Launches Free Surgical Programme

UPTH Premium, a private facility in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), has formally launched its free surgical programme with a press conference held this week.

The event brought together leaders from the medical community, public health officials, partner organizations, and media representatives. It marked the start of a two-week intervention designed to provide twenty free surgical procedures, including ten myomectomies and ten prostatectomies, to carefully selected patients who could not otherwise afford them.

In his opening address, Chief Operating Officer of UPTH Premium, Dr. Johnny Usifo, welcomed guests and reiterated the hospital's commitment to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities. He stressed that the initiative was not simply a charitable gesture but a strategic and compassionate response to pressing surgical needs. Dr. Usifo described the response during the patient screening phase as overwhelming, noting that while only twenty patients could be selected for this round, thousands expressed the same need, highlighting the deep surgical burden many Nigerians silently face.

Representatives from key medical associations and institutions attended the event, including the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Rivers State Chapter, the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), the Association of Resident Doctors UPTH, and the UPTH Medical Advisory Council. Their presence reflected broad-based support for the programme and the values it upholds.

Professor Datonye Alasia, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) at UPTH, praised the initiative for embodying the core values of social responsibility and human-centred medicine. He commended UPTH Premium for aligning with UPTH’s broader vision of accessible and compassionate care while reaffirming the management’s support.

Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, described the programme as visionary. He applauded UPTH Premium’s decision to offer high-quality surgical care at no cost, calling it a critical step toward restoring public confidence in the local healthcare system. He encouraged the team to continue prioritizing patients with the greatest financial need.

National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Professor Rosemary Ogu, also applauded the initiative for sending a clear and inclusive message to the public. “Come,” she said, quoting the programme’s ethos, “You may not be able to afford us, but we are here to ensure you can access the services you need.” Her words captured the spirit of compassion and accessibility behind the programme.

While the current phase will directly benefit only twenty patients, UPTH Premium leadership made a broader appeal for partnership. Dr. Usifo called on public and private organizations, NGOs, donor agencies, and philanthropists to collaborate in expanding the effort. With increased resources, the hospital hopes to raise the number of surgeries, extend the programme duration, and provide comprehensive post-operative care to more patients.

The UPTH Premium free surgical programme stands as both a medical intervention and a call to action, proving that equitable healthcare is achievable when institutions and communities unite for the common good. With sustained collaboration, the initiative could pave the way for a more inclusive healthcare future for all.