As Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), approaches his 80th birthday, his legacy of compassion and service continues to shine through. In the days leading up to this momentous occasion on January 7, the impact of his humanitarian work, especially in the healthcare sector, is evident in the achievements of the Uma Ukpai Eye Center, a facility he founded to serve underprivileged communities in Abia State.
Since its establishment on February 2, 2016, the Uma Ukpai Eye Center has performed 529 surgeries, bringing vital eye care services to rural populations who previously lacked access to quality treatment. The center, which is part of the King of Kings Specialist Hospital in Asaga Ohafia, Abia State, was specifically designed to address healthcare gaps in rural areas, where many individuals suffer from preventable eye conditions due to the lack of affordable and accessible care.
Serving not just Abia State but also six local government areas across three neighboring states, the Eye Center has become a critical source of medical assistance for 80 to 120 rural communities. Patients, some traveling long distances, have benefited from a range of advanced ophthalmic procedures, including phacoemulsification cataract surgery, widely known as “laser cataract surgery.” These surgeries have significantly improved the quality of life for many, allowing them to regain their sight and return to normal activities.
As Rev. Dr. Ukpai approaches his 80th birthday, his work in both the church and healthcare sectors has left an indelible mark on the lives of those he serves. His dual role as a pastor and healthcare advocate exemplifies his belief in the intersection of faith and service, creating a holistic approach to community care that has garnered recognition across Nigeria.
In reflecting on his life’s work, Rev. Ukpai draws from his own personal experiences of hardship and empathy. Losing his father at a young age shaped his desire to serve those in need, and he has since dedicated himself to uplifting marginalized communities. “I know what it means to lose a father and to be a father at a tender age,” he said. “The stone Satan throws at you can become your stepping staircase to a life of abundance.”
Dr. Anya Kalu, a consultant ophthalmologist at the Uma Ukpai Eye Center, underscored the transformative effect of the surgeries provided at the center. “The surgeries have changed lives. Many patients have regained their sight and can now live normal lives, a reality that was once out of reach,” Dr. Kalu remarked.
The Uma Ukpai Eye Center is not only a beacon of hope for its patients but also a hub for healthcare training. By providing education and hands-on experience for healthcare professionals, the center plays a crucial role in enhancing medical care in the region. This commitment to training ensures that the skills necessary to address healthcare challenges are shared across the communities they serve.
Beyond the Eye Center, Rev. Ukpai’s broader healthcare vision includes the King of Kings Specialist Hospital, which he founded in 1999. The hospital provides a range of services, including internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and specialized ophthalmology care. Its success, like the Eye Center, is built on a team of dedicated professionals focused on providing high-quality care to underserved populations.
As Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai prepares to celebrate his 80th birthday, the communities he has touched will join in honoring not just the man, but the enduring legacy of love, healing, and service he has built. His work stands as a reminder that with dedication, vision, and compassion, it is possible to create a healthier, more equitable future for all.
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