The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has assured that the 2024 Free Healthcare Programme, which it relaunched at Ukana Cottage Hospital, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State recently, will go round the nine states of the Niger Delta region before the end of June.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Commission’s Director for Education, Health and Social Services, Dr George Uzonwanne, said that after the flag off in Akwa Ibom State, the medical outreach had been conducted at the Oguta General Hospital in Imo State.
He said that NDDC’s efforts to transform healthcare access within the Niger Delta region was in tandem with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3; Good Health and Well-being and ensuring equitable health services for all.
Uzonwanne stated: “The NDDC understands that a healthy population is the cornerstone of a prosperous Niger Delta. The free healthcare mission reflects our commitment to not only address immediate health needs but also invest in the long-term well-being of our communities.”
He said that over 7,000 patients benefited from the medical outreach in Imo and Akwa Ibom states in the last three weeks, noting that 2.5 million people in the Niger Delta region had benefited from the free health care delivery by the Commission since its inception.
Dr. Uzonwanne assured: “What happened in Ukana and Oguta will be replicated in other communities in the Niger Delta region.
“In Ukana, we successfully treated over 1200 cases, including performing 50 eye surgeries, resulting in 50 formerly partially blind individuals regaining their sight. Additionally, 280 corrective eyeglasses were distributed to aid patients in reading small prints and improving their vision. Each pair of these eyeglasses, provided free of charge by NDDC, is valued at N35,000 and above. We also gave out Nutritional High Energy Products and supplements for malnourished children under the age of five.”
“In Oguta we attended to 3,927 patients, including 93 eye surgeries, 67 other surgery cases, 162 dental cases and 1,251 patients treated in general medicine.”
The NDDC Director explained: “The 2024 Free Medical Mission Phase 1 offers a wide array of services, free of charge, including: general consultations and preventative screenings; surgical interventions for critical conditions; specialised care for complex health issues, as well as provision of medications and essential medical supplies.
He declared: “The NDDC is coming to your doorsteps with qualified doctors and medical personnel to give you good health. Money will no longer stand between you and good health.”
Uzonwanne gave details of the up-coming medical missions, stating: “Our next stop is at the General Hospital, Otu Jeremi in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State from May 5-11; the mission moves to Otuasega in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa from May 12-18; then it goes to Auchi General Hospital in Etsako West LGA of Edo State from May 12-18; followed by Ondo State from May 26-June1 at Igbokoda General Hospital, Ilaje LGA; while Bayelsa State gets another chance from June 2-8 at Diete Koki Memorial Hospital, Yenagoa; Rivers State follows from June 2-8 at Ogu General Hospital in Ogu/Bolo LGA; while it goes to Abia State from June 16-22 at the Community Health Centre, Owaza in Ukwa West LGA and finally births at the General Hospital, Akamkpa in Cross River State from June 16-22.”
