EMT Foundation Completes Free Health Initiative in Delta State
The Esther Mathew Tonlaga (EMT) Foundation has wrapped up a five-day free health check-up and eye surgery program in Oporoza, located within the Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State. This initiative underscores the foundation’s ongoing commitment to assisting underserved communities at the grassroots level.
Over 2,000 residents from Gbaramatu and neighboring communities benefitted from the comprehensive health services offered during this program. This initiative was part of a series of medical interventions facilitated by Mayton Engineering Nigeria Limited, following similar events organized by the foundation over the past three years. Recent efforts have included providing financial support of N500,000 to 30 women entrepreneurs, offering free medical loans to 200 individuals living with sickle cell disease, and aiding students in enhancing their job-related technical skills.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Matthew Tonlaga, founder of the Paramedics Foundation, emphasized that the program was designed to address the healthcare needs of individuals lacking access to necessary medicines due to exorbitant costs or other barriers.
Dr. Tonlaga explained that the foundation sought to create opportunities for thousands of individuals, noting that despite their intellectual capabilities and potential leadership roles, ongoing health struggles could significantly hinder their contributions to community development. She remarked that alleviating these health challenges is crucial to ensuring a brighter future for many.
“We are delighted that this initiative, aligned with our Foundation’s core mission, has become a source of hope for the nearly 2,000 registered beneficiaries,” Dr. Tonlaga stated. “Our aim is to support disadvantaged individuals both locally and nationally, and we are pleased with the results we have achieved.”
In light of the success of this program and similar past initiatives focusing on health and socio-economic issues, Dr. Tonlaga called for stronger collaborations between non-profit organizations and governmental entities. “We urge both government officials and development partners to work alongside us to enhance primary healthcare access in rural areas across Nigeria,” she added, highlighting the need for shared resources and technical support.
Chief Victoria Egwen, a community leader from Gbaramatu Kingdom and one of the beneficiaries, expressed her profound gratitude for the treatment provided. She acknowledged the foundation’s efforts to deliver healthcare services at no cost to hundreds of distressed individuals in the area, extending praise to Dr. Tonlaga for her humanitarian work.
Another participant, Jayman Jemi, a craftsman dealing with high blood pressure, shared his positive outcomes from the program. “I have struggled with high blood pressure for over five years, but the tests and support from the Paramedics Foundation have given me renewed hope,” he said. “I was already aware of the great work done by the foundation, and my experience here has confirmed that they truly care about helping the less fortunate.”
In recent years, the EMT Foundation has steadfastly concentrated on three key areas: empowerment, access, and sustainability for the underprivileged. Through its empowerment initiatives, the foundation equips individuals with the necessary tools and confidence to pursue leadership roles while ensuring that opportunities for the disadvantaged are not restricted by their circumstances. Furthermore, the foundation’s sustainability objectives aim to create lasting impacts that benefit future generations.
