Thousands wait for free medical treatment in Rivers State, Nigeria
Elene comforts a child before eye surgery
Family volunteers (from left) Joy, Mary, Jan, Charles, and Stephan, carefully package prescriptions in the dispensary.
Our latest free medical project took place in a village in the southeast of Nigeria where there are many intertribal conflicts and violent power struggles over the area's oil wealth. The weeklong project was the largest to date organized by Family Care Association Nigeria (FCAN), and involved a team of over 50 surgeons, ophthalmologists, dentists, general practitioners, Family members, and other volunteers.
Each day outside the hospital, a crowd tried to push through the gates, everyone desperate to get ahold of a consultation card that would guarantee a visit to the medical department that could best meet his or her particular needs.
Inside the hospital, a team of doctors worked tirelessly (10- to 14-hour days were the norm for all of us), diagnosing the hundreds that passed through each day and assigning them to the proper department.
Across the hospital courtyard, another crowd waited outside the surgery and eye departments—some waiting their turn and others waiting for relatives that were undergoing surgery.
In the ophthalmologic theater, patients underwent cataract removals and other procedures—truly life-changing operations, as the patients entered blind but should regain their sight after a short recovery period.
The pharmacy department had a permanent line waiting for free medicine that the doctors had prescribed.
The dental unit was kept very busy performing dental operations, including cancer and growth removals and other surgical procedures, fitting dentures, etc.
Around the corner in the quiet atmosphere of the counseling department, we prayed for those who couldn't be helped medically, or who also asked for prayer.
In the wards, those recovering from operations or under observation received physical care, prayers for healing, and an opportunity to receive the gift of salvation.
Throughout the hospital, spiritual help was extended along with the physical. In the evenings we also showed the film Jesus to thousands of eager viewers.
Family members, top medical professionals, and other volunteers worked side by side to bring physical health and spiritual renewal, and the Lord worked wonders in thousands of lives!
Family Care Association Nigeria (FCAN) is committed to helping disadvantaged individuals and families. Registered as a legal entity with the Nigerian Corporate Commission, FCAN has a variety of national programs designed to help the whole person:
- Free medical care to rural areas, including immunization programs
- Vocational training for handicapped children and adults
- Adult literacy programs
- Building and/or refurbishing of schools in rural areas
- Teacher training seminars
- Orphanage support programs
- Emergency relief and aid for the victims of disasters
- Food distribution to help eliminate malnutrition amongst infants and children
- Rehabilitation program for prison inmates
- Educational programs focusing on character development and friendship