By Benjamin Jessica | Project coordinator
Providing Life-Saving Medical Support to Vulnerable Children through PTAP
Over the past six months, the Patient Treatment Assistance Program (PTAP) under the Lady Helen Child Health Foundation (LHCHF) has remained steadfast in its mission to support indigent pediatric patients in public hospitals across Abuja and Lagos. The program’s core objective is to ensure that no child is denied medical treatment due to financial hardship.
Between March and August 2025, PTAP provided direct medical assistance to 46 children suffering from critical illnesses such as leukemia, rheumatic heart disease, brain tumors, sepsis, congenital heart defects, and severe malnutrition. These interventions not only helped save lives but also eased the emotional and financial burden faced by struggling families.
To enhance our impact, LHCHF strengthened its hospital partnerships through bi-weekly follow-up calls with social welfare officers and the introduction of weekly hospital visitation plans. These efforts enabled closer monitoring of patient progress and faster identification of urgent cases in need of financial support.
Program Activities and Achievements
During this reporting period, PTAP recorded significant accomplishments:
59 PTAP applications were received across partner hospitals.
48 cases met the eligibility criteria for funding approval.
46 of those cases successfully received financial disbursements, totaling 1,570,000 (One Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira only).
The program achieved a 96% disbursement rate, reflecting our commitment to transparency and timely assistance.
Each disbursement covered part or full medical expenses such as surgeries, medications, or post-operative care. Among the hospitals supported were National Hospital Abuja, FMC Jabi, Maitama District Hospital, Nyanya General Hospital, Garki Hospital, ABAT Hospital, and Mushin General Hospital (Lagos).
Examples of Support Provided
In March, PTAP supported children like Baby S (a premature infant with severe sepsis) and R.M., a seven-year-old diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, both treated at National Hospital Abuja.
In April, funds were disbursed to Baby B, born with intestinal atresia, and Baby H, who suffered from septic shock, helping both survive life-threatening conditions.
By May and June, PTAP assisted O.D., battling leukemia, and M.M., a child with an eye tumor, enabling urgent medical interventions that would otherwise have been delayed due to costs.
In July and August, the program reached Baby A (Twin), born preterm with respiratory distress syndrome, and A.M., diagnosed with acute kidney failure, offering hope to their families during distressing times.
Impact Story: Baby C’s Journey to Healing
One of the most heartwarming stories from this period is that of Baby C, a child born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate who was referred to PTAP from the National Hospital Abuja. The baby’s parents, daily wage earners, were devastated by the diagnosis and had no means to afford corrective surgery.
Through PTAP support, 30,000 was disbursed to cover part of the surgical cost and follow-up care. Today, Baby C is recovering steadily, feeding well, and thriving with ongoing medical supervision. The joy and relief expressed by the family reflect the profound difference that compassionate health support can make in the lives of vulnerable children.
Stories like Baby C’s illustrate the true essence of PTAP — turning despair into hope, one child at a time.
Fundraising and Community Engagement
In addition to direct disbursements, LHCHF launched a micro fundraising campaign for Master Dominion, a leukemia patient at National Hospital, which successfully raised £50 (60,000 equivalent) via the GoFundMe platform.
Beyond financial assistance, LHCHF team conducted hospital visitations, offering emotional support and care to parents and caregivers. The Foundation’s presence in pediatric wards has not only built trust with medical staff but also ensured that the most vulnerable patients are identified early and assisted promptly.
Overall Impact Summary
Indicator - March–August 2025
Number of applications received - 59
Number approved - 48
Number funded - 46
Total disbursed - 1,570,000
Hospitals reached - 7
Disbursement rate - 96%
Through these interventions, 46 children and their families directly benefited from financial assistance that helped them continue or complete vital medical treatment.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the next phase, LHCHF aims to:
Expand PTAP to include more hospitals within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos.
Enhance data collection for improved monitoring and evaluation.
Continue weekly hospital visits and bi-weekly welfare follow-ups to sustain early intervention efforts.
Explore new partnerships and matching campaigns to reach more indigent children in critical need of medical care.
Conclusion
The progress achieved in the last six months is a reflection of collective effort — from dedicated hospital social workers to generous supporters whose trust empowers PTAP to make a difference. Each disbursement represents not just financial aid but a renewed chance at life for a child in need.
With continued partnership, LHCHF remains committed to bridging the healthcare gap for indigent pediatric patients, ensuring that every child — regardless of circumstance — receives the care they deserve.
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