On Saturday 23rd of July, a team doctors visited Item, and the Chijioke Osogho Ajala Methodist Memorial Hospital conducting a free medical outreach program. Below are excerpts of the interview with the lead doctor, Dr. Leonard Okonkwo.

1. Q: Can we get to know you sir ?
   1. A: Dr. Leonard: I’m doctor Okonkwo Leonard, surgical resident with the Abia State University Teaching hospital .
2. Q: What brings you to Item ?
   1. A: Dr. Leonard: We are here today essentially on an enlightenment program to educate the people of Item on the need to stay in good health.
3. Q: For how long has the program been running?
   1. A: Dr. Leonard: We started this program since the beginning of the week, and we have been going to various school, especially the secondary school students, and talking to the young people. We spoke to them on health, on career, as well as the need for them to look beyond locality and be good citizens of Nigeria.
4. Q: When will it be ending ?
   1. A: Dr. Leonard: The program will be ending today, with the free medical outreach which we’ve recorded quite a good turn out today.
5. Q: That’s beautiful. How has the program been sponsored & supported ?
   1. A: Dr. Leonard: We’ve had massive support, especially the hospital donor, the MD of Soulmate Industries Ltd, Sir Ndukwe Osogho-Ajala. He has been very supportive. I think his own philanthropy is beyond routine, and his love for his people worthy of note. He has single handedly made all of this possible. I want to thank and encourage him. Its only God that can repay him .
6. Q: What’s next after this ?
   1. A: Dr. Leonard: For me, this is just an introductory to better things for the people of Item. We intend to come back with better packages for them. We are also making plans to offer scholarships to the science inclined students.
7. Q: So you are saying that we should be expecting to see more of you here ?
   1. A: Dr. Leonard: Yes. This is just the first stage. We’ll go back and reassess ourselves and come back with a better package. Our sponsor, Sir Ajala, is someone who has the best interest of his people at heart. Once we come out with a good program, he always makes funds available.
8. Q: Are you liaising with the hospital, given the absence of a resident surgeon?
   1. A: Dr. Leonard: Like I said, this is just the first phase. This program continues, because we are partnering with the hospital. I and my team will be coming to not only operate, but also training of the hospital personnel on the use of their more sophisticated equipment. Our main priority, both that of the sponsor, and the church, is to make this hospital the best in this environment.
9. Q: Your impressions on the hospital ?
   1. A: Dr. Leonard: Firstly, I’m impressed with the fact that an individual can singlehandedly develop a standard hospital like this, and donate it to the church. I’m also impressed that his philanthropy has been embraced by his people, as the high turnout of people here testifies.
10. Q: Your impressions on the exercise ?
    1. A: Dr. Leonard: I pray this sort of thing continues. We made a lot of discoveries today. There were some hypertensive and diabetic people who before now weren’t aware of their condition. Lots of tests, and treatment were carried out today. Even HIV tests were done, with the necessary drugs prescribed and issued out.
11. Q: Thanks a lot for your time Dr. Any parting shots ?
    1. A: Dr. Leonard: Well I would like to encourage the people of Item to exploit the benefits of having such a standard hospital in the community. Not all hospitals have standard structures like this. With a well-equipped lab, and doctor’s quarters, with the well-being of the staff and patients always a priority. They never take their health for granted, and always endeavor to go to the hospital with their health issues. Where a proper doctor will take care of them.