Thousands of residents across Taraba State have applauded the ongoing Renewed Hope Free Medical and Surgical Outreach 2026, describing it as a timely intervention that has brought quality healthcare to underserved communities while urging the state government to increase investment in the health sector.
The three-week medical outreach, is being organised in honour of the 58th birthday of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, continued on Monday with large crowds at designated treatment centres across the state.
Visits to the Primary Health Care Centre in Sunkani and other centres in Bali, Gembu, Takum, Bambur and Wukari showed hundreds of residents arriving early to receive free medical consultations, laboratory tests, medications, specialist care and surgical services from teams of healthcare professionals.
The intervention is designed to improve access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations, particularly rural dwellers who often struggle to afford medical treatment. In addition to treating common ailments, the programme provides specialist consultations, surgical procedures and preventive healthcare through early diagnosis.
Several beneficiaries described the initiative as a major relief amid rising healthcare costs.
Mrs. Deborah Isah, a resident of Sunkani who received treatment for malaria and typhoid, said the outreach gave her access to healthcare she would otherwise have been unable to afford.
She thanked Professor Yilwatda for the initiative and prayed for continued success in his leadership.
Mr. Abubakar Ahmed, a farmer treated for typhoid, stomach-related complications and eye problems, said the programme had eased the financial burden on many families.
He also commended the Taraba State Government for supporting the initiative and called for stronger collaboration to expand healthcare access across the state.
Miss Dorcas Ephesians, who sought treatment for persistent abdominal pain, praised the professionalism of the medical team and appealed for more humanitarian health programmes capable of reaching remote communities.
Speaking at the Sunkani centre, the team leader, Dr. Williams Golis, said the outreach was strictly humanitarian and open to everyone, regardless of political or religious affiliation.
"Our focus is to provide quality healthcare through specialist consultations, appropriate medical treatment and life-changing surgical interventions for all those in need," he said.
The first phase of the outreach, scheduled for August 3 to 7, is being conducted simultaneously at six health facilities across Taraba's three senatorial districts. These include the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari; General Hospitals in Takum, Bali, Gembu and Bambur; and the Primary Health Care Centre, Sunkani.
Organisers said the official inauguration of the programme will take place on August 8 to coincide with Professor Yilwatda's 58th birthday, after which the second phase, running from August 8 to 22, will continue at the Federal Medical Centre and the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Jalingo, where more advanced specialist consultations and complex surgeries will be carried out.
Health experts believe the outreach demonstrates the impact of humanitarian partnerships in improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural communities. Beneficiaries, however, stressed that while the initiative has provided immediate relief to thousands, sustained investment in primary and specialist healthcare remains critical to addressing Taraba State's long-term health needs.