NDDC begins free healthcare in Niger Delta communities

 

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has resumed its popular Free Health Care Medical Programme, which covers different communities in the Niger Delta region, as part of its efforts to ensure better healthcare delivery to the people.

Speaking at a week-long free healthcare programme, which the NDDC organised in conjunction with the Pro-Health International, at the Ukana Cottage Hospital in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that the programme would bring healthcare to the door-steps of rural dwellers and communities.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said that the Commission through the free medical mission had provided health solutions to over two million Niger Deltans across almost all communities in the region, noting: “We are committed to working with relevant stakeholders to improve health and all other critical sectors that impact positively on the overall development of the health and social well-being of the people of the region.”

The NDDC boss stated that the commission was determined to make a difference in the health sector through the engagement of relevant partners such as Pro-Health International, Arit Walden Free Healthcare Mission and others.

He explained: “This programme, which provides healthcare services to medically underserved rural communities in the region, is one of several health programmes of the Commission, targeted at changing the health situation and narrative of our people in the region. It is in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, No. 3 which aspires to achieve universal health coverage and ensure health and well-being for all.

“The free medical outreach has been one of the flagship programmes of the Commission, serving to endear the Commission to the medically needy communities, with documented evidence and abounding testimonies of its beneficial impact in enhancing the quality of life of the rural poor in the region.”

He observed that the medical programme had undergone some remodeling, in keeping with best practices and was now being flagged off to better serve the healthcare needs of the region.

He declared: “Health is wealth and good health remains the core of human development. The NDDC, as an interventionist agency, has championed good health as being integral to the success of her mandate in facilitating the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

“This is in line with the position adopted by Mr. President during the commemoration of the 2023 World Universal Health Coverage Day with the theme: Health for all, time for action, where he emphasised the import of placing health and social well-being of Nigerians as a key part of his Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The NDDC Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. George Uzonwanne, said that the goal of the commission was to provide medical services to the people of the Niger Delta region, as part of its mandate.

He said that since the beginning of the medical outreach on April 15, over 1,200 patients have been attended to and a total of 120 surgeries, including six caesarian procedures that delivered seven babies, among which was a set of twins.

The representative of Akwa Ibom State on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, noted the commitment of the present leadership of the NDDC for providing a platform through which the healthcare needs of the people could be addressed.

The Principal Consultant to the Ukuna Cottage Hospital, Dr Friday Ido, commended the NDDC for bringing the free medical programme to his locality, noting that the hospital was always ready to collaborate with agencies and organisations that provide needed services to the rural areas.