Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
At last, hope beams for childless women in Abia State, as a fertility specialist, Dr Okechukwu Kalu, has offered free consultation and scanning for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) pregnancy service for them.
The gesture, according to the Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, is his personal way of appreciating and complementing the “laudable strides” of the Gov. Alex Otti-led State Government in the health sector.
Dr Kalu said he was very impressed with the priority the Governor was giving to the health sector, and decided to support the move by volunteering to help mitigate the pains of childless women in the state.
The fertility expert who spoke during a free consultation and scanning services he conducted for childless women in the state, expressed concern over the number of women who turned out for the exercise.
Dr Kalu who said that over 50 women were screened in one day , noted with deep concern, the rising cases of childlessness in the state.
He suggested the establishment of IVF centre by the State Government, or partnership with the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, to help address the rising cases.
The fertility specialist, encouraged women to rather go for IVF procedure despite the huge cost instead of patronising baby factory operators in their quest for children.
IVF pregnancy is a technology developed to assist women with fertility problem to have a baby.
During IVF, an egg from the woman’s ovaries is fertilized with sperm in a laboratory and returned to the woman’s womb to grow and develop.
“As a fertility specialist, I know what women pass through in their desperation for children. Some of them get so desperate that they resort to buying stolen babies or patronising baby factory operators which often lands them into trouble.
“So, I want to help offer solution to their unmet needs. IVF is the surest solution to childlessness. I decided to do this consultation and scanning free of charge.”
The Consultant Gynaecologist who acknowledged the cost implication of IVF, said he was prepared to yank off 25 per cent of the cost if the State Government could help subsidise the procedure.
“One of the patients was emotional yesterday as she started crying that she had nobody to help her bear the cost of IVF. It was very touching.
“So, it will be nice if the State Government can come in and subsidise the cost by, say, 50 per cent. I can yank off 25 per cent under the Foundation of my late mother, Madam Mercy Kalu. My siblings and I can take care of that under the Foundation. Then, the patient can get the remaining 25 per cent.
“This is just a way I think I can help support the laudable efforts of the State Government to revive the Abia health sector. There is now a fresh air in the sector. A visit at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital ABSUTH, or Abia Diagnostic Centre will convince you.
“I saw the good works of the Governor in the health sector, and as a patriotic citizen, decided to support the transformation. I have also decided to lecture pro bono at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH.”
