Concerned Citizens of Rivers State Forum (CCRF), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Rivers State has commended the efforts of Gateway International Church (GIC), Elioparanwo Road, off Ada-George Way as it – concluded its free medical week to a large number ‘of participants with the theme: – HEAL TH & WHOLENESS
The week-long health programme which was flagged off on the 18th of September, 2016 ended on the 25th September, 2016 with a thanksgiving service as participants commended the Lead Pastor, George Izunwa for his show of concern to several Nigerians in-spite of the difficult times the nation is passing through.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the organization, Comrade Ibinabo Somiari said Pastor Izunwa will ever be remembered for his vision and passion, noting that the programme which was first flagged off in 2007 is a testimony of Izunwa’s compassionate feelings for the generality of human beings in the country.
The CCRF boss further lauded the medical team and the co-ordinators for the zeal in discharging their functions with great expertise, adding that the good Lord will continually bless them.
The programmed which featured free, medical seminars, free medical treatment, free glasses, free tests and surgeries also witnessed doctors examining large numbers of people, while some participants were referred to laboratory tests such as Urinalysis, HIV, Malaria, RBS, Hepatitis B&C. Drugs were prescribed accordingly to patients for free and the coordinators where busy counseling and praying for patients to build up their faith.
A medical expert, Dr. Chukwueke Ochi told our reporter that over forty (40) surgeries were performed free of charge to the glory of God and thanked the Lead Pastor and the church authorities for their show of love for people in and around the state.
The medical expert also stated that although government was aware of the programme, the church did not partner with them to organize the progamme, saying that she hopes in the future there will be collaboration between the church and government.
Co-ordinator of the free medical programme and one of the Pastors in Gateway International ‘Church1 Pastor James Esinkumo Amaigbe said the programme is an initiative of the Lead Pastor of the Church, Pastor George Izunwa because of his passion and love for human beings, especially those that cannot afford good medical treatment.
Pastor Amaigbe, who is the Director, Community Impact Directorate, noted that the programme did not hold in 2014 due to the Ebola outbreak, pointing out that despite several challenges to manage the large crowd, it was a huge success.
He said basic medical examinations were carried out, while serious ones are often referred to the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) and UPTH respectively.
Speaking at the sideline of the programme, Deaconess Okubokeyi Bomor of the programme’s Medical Department and Executive Member of CCRF played a vital role in the free medical week and attributed the success to God Almighty for using the Lead Pastor to touch lives of several people in and around Port Harcourt and beyond.
The organizing Secretary of CCRF, Henry J. Erekosima, who participated in the free medical event, said he was impressed with the conduct of the exercise despite the crowd. He noted that it was overwhelming and successful, calling on churches and organizations to emulate the footsteps of Lead Pastor George Izunwa of the Gateway International Church. ###
