NDDC Commences Free Medical Outreach In C'River, Says 3,500 To Benefit From Health Intervention
By Benjamin GBOR
At least three thousand five hundred patients are expected to benefit from the free medical intervention of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in Cross River State. The NDDC Free medical outreach program is in partnership with Pro Health International, and facilitated by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.
The program will run from June 16 to 22, 2024, at the General Hospital in Akamkpa, Cross River State.
The outreach program aims at providing free medical services to the people of Odukpani, Akamkpa, and Biase local government areas.
The services include free surgeries, consultations, drugs, eye checks, glasses, and counseling. This initiative is part of NDDC's efforts to improve healthcare in the region.
Speaking while inaugurating the programme at the General Hospital, Akamkpa, Dr. George Uzonwanne, the Director Education, health and Social services of the commission, said:"We are carrying out a one week shirt term intervention free of charge to the people of cross River State.
"We are looking to treating 3,000 to 3,500 patients but not really the number of patients but the number of data points because one patient may have more than three interventions. So we are looking at between 12,000 to 15,000 data points.
"Treatments will range from illnesses like malaria to things as complex as having fibroid surgery or general surgery", he said.
He added that a team will stand by to look after patients before they are discharged and others with more severe ailments will also be treated by the commission.
In his address, the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the objective of the programme is to ensure the people have access to good healthcare services by removing barriers.
Dr. Ogbuku whose address was presented by Eme Inyang Abia, the head of Education, Health and Social Services in the Cross River State Office of the commission, said the health intervention by the commission has been remodeled and is better placed to meet the health needs of the region.
On his part, the Chairman, Senate committee on NDDC, Asuquo Ekpenyong, explained that while lawmaking is a senator's primary role, providing healthcare is essential for constituents. He promised to provide food for patients and confirmed that the program is open to all Cross Riverians.
He also noted that this program is part of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda and will continue in the future.
HRH Ntufam Paul Okon Ntui, the paramount ruler of Akamkpa LGA, thanked NDDC and Senator Ekpenyong for bringing the program to the grassroots level. He expressed concern about the poor state of the general hospital and urged Senator Ekpenyong to collaborate with the state and federal governments to improve the hospital's facilities.
The program will also include health education and awareness activities to promote healthy living in the community.
The five days medical outreach by the commission is also open to patients across the state and beyond.
