The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, has commenced a one-week free cancer screening programme in commemoration of the birthdays of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo.
The exercise, which began on Monday, July 27, will run until Friday, July 31, 2026, offering free cervical cancer (Pap smear), mammography, and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening to eligible beneficiaries as part of efforts to promote early detection and prevention of cancer.
The Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, monitored the commencement of the programme through an inspection of the various screening centres within the hospital to ensure a smooth and efficient exercise.
During the visit, Dr. Umeakuewulu interacted with healthcare personnel and beneficiaries, urging members of staff to maintain professionalism while ensuring prompt and quality service delivery throughout the exercise.
She expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the programme on its opening day and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to promoting preventive healthcare through early diagnosis and timely medical intervention.
The Chief Medical Director encouraged eligible women and men across the state to take advantage of the free screening before the programme ends on Friday, July 31, stressing that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the burden of cancer and improve treatment outcomes.
The initiative forms part of COOUTH’s ongoing efforts to expand access to preventive healthcare services and raise public awareness on the importance of routine cancer screening.
