Scores of individuals have been hospitalized in various medical facilities following a free medical outreach held in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
Abia State Commissioner for Health, Ogbonnaya Uche, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Umuahia, attributing the incident to suspected adverse drug reactions.
“Our dedicated healthcare personnel are working assiduously to stabilize and treat the affected people,” the commissioner stated.
He expressed concern over the outreach, emphasizing that the organizers did not obtain the necessary approval from the Ministry of Health. “The ministry is deeply concerned by the consequences of unauthorized outreach. Residents should be cautious of organizers of unapproved healthcare events,” Uche warned.
The statement reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and cautioned that henceforth, organizers of unapproved medical programs would face prosecution.
“The state government prioritizes the health and well-being of its residents. Anyone wishing to partner with us in the health sector must approach the ministry for proper authorization,” the commissioner added.
Uche further stressed the importance of adhering to established safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. “This is to ensure that such activities meet established safety standards and protocols that safeguard and promote the health of residents,” he said.
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that it is taking all necessary steps to address the situation and prevent a recurrence.
