Dozens of people have been hospitalized at various medical facilities following a free medical outreach in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Ogbonnaya Uche, confirmed the incident in a statement issued yesterday in Umuahia, attributing it to a suspected adverse drug reaction.
The statement, seen by LEADERSHIP, read: “Our dedicated healthcare personnel are working tirelessly to stabilize and treat those affected.”
The commissioner expressed concern over the consequences of the unauthorized outreach, urging residents to be cautious when engaging with organizers of unapproved healthcare events.
The statement clarified that the organizers of the outreach had not obtained approval from the Ministry of Health and warned that future organizers of similar events would face legal action.
It also emphasized that the government remains committed to the health and safety of the public and advised any individuals or groups wishing to partner with the ministry in the health sector to seek prior approval.
“This is to ensure that such activities comply with safety standards and protocols designed to protect and promote the health of the residents,” the statement concluded.