13-year-old Ngozi Seeks N1.2million For Osteomyelitis Surgery
Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi
Miss Ngozi Eke whose inability to walk has deprived her of attending school for about seven months, this, as caused by osteomyelitis that is hitting deep into her left leg and has naked her fibula bone.
Ngozi, like other children, on December 26, 2021, Bauchi collectively stepped out to celebrate the year’s Christmas before she fell and sustained an injury in her leg. “I told my parents about it and they bought medicine for me and applied balm. Between that night and the next morning, I could not walk as the leg became swollen,” she said.
This condition, according to her father, Ekeh Chukwu, said has been treated at the Specialist Hospital and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi but the last 7 months has been so traumatising for the Ngozi.
“Many doctors have treated this leg but I still can’t walk. I want to go back to school and focus on my studies. I want to be a lawyer,” she said looking forlorn.
According to Ngozi’s medical report, signed by Chief Medical Director of Peoples Hospital Limited, Bauchi, Dr. Emmanuel O. said she has been managed on account of mal-unified non-healed fracture involving the proximal 3rd of the fibula and also clinic osteomyelitis involving half of the fibula with irregular over cylny soft tissues.
“The patient will benefit from open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and also flap cover for the soft tissue. Cost of management for the patient (both surgery and medication will cost her N1.250.000.00,” he said in a report.
Ngozi’s father, Ekeh Chukwu, an incident of Abia State who has been in Gumdum Sayawa, Bauchi for over four decades has lost his job as an electrical engineer four years ago. He has exhausted his savings and has spent over N300,000.
Miss Ngozi can be reached through her father Ekeh Chukwu via; 08120833131 and can be supported through the account number; 4926386010 FCMB Ekeh Chukwu.