Subsidized Hernia Treatment: Fr. Paleve Urges Benue Residents To Take Advantage
File photo of Very Rev. Fr Peter Palace, Executive Director, Makurdi Catholic Diocesan Global Integrated Health Initiative For All (MCDGIHIA)
Very Rev. Fr Peter Paleve, Health Coordinator of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, has announced near-free medical treatments, particularly for hernia, made possible by a European medical team visiting Benue State.
Fielding questions from journalists in his office on Tuesday, Fr Paleve said the team, through “Operation Treat Hernia,” aims to provide vital medical procedures at a drastically reduced cost, accessible to underprivileged communities across the region.
According to him, the program will run from November 20 to December 1, 2024 at Bishop Murray Hospital, Makurdi, disclosing that major procedures, like hernia surgeries that normally cost over 100,000 Naira, will be available for only 30,000 Naira, while other surgeries, such as fibroid removal, will see similar reductions. He added that the subsidized fee covers basic consumables, allowing patients to receive care nearly free of charge hence Benue residents should seize the rare opportunity to access essential healthcare. He extended a heartfelt invitation to residents, underscoring the humanitarian outreach of the Catholic Diocese.
As the diocese celebrates Bishop Wilfred Anagbe’s 30th anniversary of priestly ordination and 10th anniversary as bishop, Rev. Fr Paleve testified that the Bishop has advanced initiatives in both healthcare and education, establishing the Diocese as a pillar of support through times of economic strain, pointing out that the European team’s visit for the treatment program is, in part, a tribute to his longstanding dedication to the region’s welfare.
Beyond healthcare, Fr. Paleve outlined broader challenges facing the diocese. Chief among them is the high cost of electricity, a crucial need for hospitals that operate 24/7. “Hospitals require constant power to run critical equipment, like oxygen machines and diagnostic tools. In a time when diesel costs are soaring, maintaining consistent energy has become a formidable obstacle. Additionally, funding limitations and the high cost of medical equipment further strain the system. Despite these hardships, the Diocese continues to offer healthcare, often in areas where other facilities are not operational due to security concerns”, he said.
On a hopeful note, Fr. Paleve stressed the importance of self-reliance and hard work amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, urging people to look inward, use the period as a chance to adapt, plan wisely, and turn aspirations into realities.
“Hope is not lost. This is a time for introspection, a call for individuals to reflect on how best they can contribute to their well-being and community.”
“My work is to sell hope. Every day, I strive to give people a reason to live and think positively. So, this is a phase where there are many phases in life, and then when you come to another phase, it shows you how to live. So, this phase we are in the country, Nigeria, is a phase where we are taught to introspect and see how best we can improve on ourselves. That is telling you that nobody can help you unless you help yourself.
“So, this is a time when we should retrospectively look inward and see how best I can do. And how best I can contribute in helping myself, thereby helping other people. This is time for hard work. Anybody that works very hard should work hard. I don’t believe people waiting and asking for the Holy Spirit to help us.
“The Holy Spirit is already in you. So, help yourself. There is nothing to give.
So, hold down your living. Make sure you plan very well, and know how to translate your ideology into reality. And it will be there”, Fr Paleve advised
