Thousands of residents across Taraba State have received a new lease of hope as the Renewed Hope Free Medical and Surgical Outreach 2026 enters its second day, with beneficiaries applauding the intervention for bringing critical healthcare services closer to vulnerable communities.
The statewide medical programme, organised to mark the 58th birthday anniversary of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, has provided free medical consultations, laboratory tests, drugs, specialist care and surgical services to residents who would otherwise struggle to afford such treatments.
From Sunkani to Bali, Gembu, Takum, Bambur and Wukari, hundreds of men, women, children and elderly residents were seen trooping into designated medical centres from the early hours of the day, seeking attention from teams of doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and other healthcare professionals.
A correspondent who monitored activities at the Primary Health Care Centre, Sunkani, and other centres across the state observed a heavy turnout of patients, many of whom described the outreach as a major relief for families battling rising healthcare costs.
The beneficiaries said the intervention had not only provided immediate treatment but had also restored hope among residents in communities where access to specialist healthcare remains a major challenge.
Mrs Deborah Isah, a resident of Sunkani who received treatment for malaria and typhoid, expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the programme as a blessing to ordinary citizens.
“I thank Professor Nentawe Yilwatda for remembering people like us. I pray God grants him wisdom, good health and greater success,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Abubakar Ahmed, a farmer treated for typhoid, stomach-related ailments and eye problems, said the outreach had removed a huge financial burden from many rural families.
He commended the initiative for taking medical services directly to the people, while urging continued collaboration between government and humanitarian organisations to strengthen healthcare delivery across Taraba.
Another beneficiary, Miss Dorcas Ephesians, who sought treatment for persistent abdominal pains, described the medical team’s approach as professional and compassionate.
She appealed to the Taraba State Government to sustain and expand partnerships that would ensure vulnerable citizens have regular access to quality healthcare services.
Speaking at the Sunkani centre, the team lead, Dr Williams Golis, said the outreach was strictly humanitarian and designed to address healthcare needs without discrimination.
“This medical outreach is non-political and non-religious. Our priority is to provide quality healthcare through advanced specialist consultations, appropriate medical treatment and surgical interventions for everyone who needs them,” he said.
The Renewed Hope Free Medical and Surgical Outreach 2026 is planned as a three-week intervention targeting thousands of residents across Taraba’s three senatorial districts.
The first phase, which runs from August 3 to 7, is being conducted simultaneously at six healthcare facilities, including the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari; General Hospital, Takum; General Hospital, Bali; General Hospital, Gembu; Bambur General Hospital; and the Primary Health Care Centre, Sunkani.
The official flag-off ceremony is expected on August 8, the birthday of Professor Yilwatda, while the second phase, scheduled from August 8 to 22, will move to the Federal Medical Centre and National Orthopaedic Hospital in Jalingo for advanced specialist consultations and complex surgical procedures.
Healthcare experts say the initiative highlights the role of humanitarian interventions and public-private partnerships in bridging healthcare gaps, especially in rural areas where many residents face difficulties accessing specialised medical services.
However, beneficiaries stressed that while the outreach has provided immediate relief to thousands, sustained investment in primary healthcare centres, specialist hospitals and affordable medical services remains crucial to solving Taraba’s long-term healthcare challenges.
