Of all the development programmes, which the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have undertaken in the region, the one that brings tremendous relief and makes immediate impact on the lives of the rural people is the free health care programme. The free health mission aimed to heal the sick and give hope to the medically challenged.“I thank the NDDC. We appreciate this life-saving programme. We appreciate what the doctors are doing, and please continue to remember us and come again,” he said.
The NDDC Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. George Uzonwanne, said the goal of the commission was to provide medical services to the people of the Niger Delta region as part of its mandate.
He noted that the commission had always put a special focus on healthcare delivery, adding that it has extended health facilities and services to many communities across the region. According to Uzonwanne, there is hardly any community in the region that has not benefited from the free health programme. He gave kudos to the non-governmental organisations that have been partnering with the NDDC in this critical intervention in the health sector, noting that the partners provided free healthcare services to several communities on a regular basis.
He said: “We have successfully treated over 1,200 cases, including performing 50 successful eye surgeries. Additionally, 280 corrective eyeglasses have been 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.
“Furthermore, the programme has facilitated the safe delivery of seven babies through Caesarean sections, including a set of twins. Patients have also received various medications for conditions such as malaria, hypertension, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), gastrointestinal disorders, dental care, eye care, surgeries for conditions like hydrocele and appendicitis, as well as diagnostic services including tests like packed cell volume (PCV) and random blood sugar.”
Uzonwanne affirmed that the Free Medical Outreach was conducted in collaboration with Pro-Health International Africa, Excellence Community Education Scheme, and Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria.
According to NDDC: “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.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Pro-Health International, Dr. Iko Ibanga, said that he was very impressed by the massive turn-out of the people to take advantage of the free health care.
According to him, hundreds of patients were attended to within the first three days. “We have performed many major surgeries for fibroid, ovarian cyst, hernia, as well as caesarean sections. We have also performed cataract extraction for some patients with impaired vision,” he said.
Ibanga highlighted the benefits of the NDDC free medical programme, noting that it is very useful for the poor and less privileged people. He said that many people in the rural areas found it difficult to access medical services on account of poverty, citing the case of two women whose delivery were delayed because they could not raise the money for a caesarian section in a private clinic.
He said: “The people complain that medical services in their communities are very expensive because they are seen as coming from oil-producing areas. The private clinics here are very expensive for the people. So, without the free health programme of the NDDC, most of them are more or less helpless.”
For the Consultant Obsterician and gynaecologist, head of the operating room for Pro-Health International, Dr Nsikak Nyoyoko, the turnout of people from Ukana and the neighbouring communities was massive. “I am very happy with the set up and the people have testified that they were well treated by the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel,” he said.
“With the free health programme, our people can say farewell to all the endemic health problems that have long plagued them. It is expedient to mention here that the health partners are expected to hand over substantial quantities of drugs to the hospital management for the treatment of those who had some major operations,” the NDDC boss said.