By Daniel Abia / Snr Correspondent, Port Harcourt
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has kicked off another round of its popular Free Health Care Medical Programme.
The programme covers different communities in the Niger Delta region as part of the commission’s commitment to enhance better healthcare delivery to the people.
Flagging off the free health programme, Managing Director of the NDDC, Bassey Dan-Abia, said over one million people have benefitted from it in the last 10 years.
He said: “Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has empowered us in the NDDC to bridge the gap in healthcare in the Niger Delta region by bringing qualitative healthcare to the good people of the region, close to where they live, work and play.”
In his address at the flag-off ceremony of the weeklong free healthcare programme which the NDDC organised in conjunction with Global Hands Medicare Foundation, Dan-Abia said it was meant to bring healthcare to the door-steps of rural dwellers and communities.
The NDDC MD, who was represented by Dr. Solomon Ita, NDDC Acting Director, Education, Health and Social Services, said no less than 900,000 people have benefited from the free medical services for various health issues since the programme started 14 years ago.
He stated that the commission was determined to make a difference in the health sector through the engagement of relevant partners such as Global Hand Medicare Foundation, Goldspin Healthcare, Total Health-Minders Foundation and others.
According to the MD, “It is time to say farewell to endemic disease and ignorance, a time to embrace healthcare brought to our doorsteps, free of charge.
“The NDDC in partnership with Total Health Minders Foundation mission came to look into those health issues that have become endemic burdens to you.”
The NDDC boss said at the end of the free health mission, “the sick shall be healed, the visually impaired will see and given a new lease of life because sight is life.
“Women with fibroid and men with hernia will be given succor from these ailments. By the time this exercise is over, we would have left you a healthier and happier people.”
Coordinator of Total Health Foundation, Dr. Hyginus Onyejiuwa, said the NDDC-sponsored free medical mission made it possible for her organisation to assemble medical experts in different areas of specialisation to attend to the needs of people who may not otherwise have access to such highly qualified medical personnel.
She said 282 patients were tested for HIV/AIDS and 16 of them were found to be positive to the HIV virus.
According to Prof. Ejele, 1,479 cases were treated, including 21 surgeries, 108 dental cases and 365 laboratory investigations.
He said 156 patients were screened for HIV/AIDS and only two persons were found to be positive. “Fortunately, Ebola is not here yet and we pray that it will never get here,” he said.
Chairman of the Odukpani Local government area, Bassey Eyo, commended the NDDC for bringing the free medical programme to his locality, noting that the council was always ready to collaborate with agencies and organisations of the Federal Government that provide needed services to the rural areas.
In another development, over 1,177 people have received free treatment for sight, dental and other ailments following collaboration between the NDDC and Universal Medicare Foundation.
They were treated in the course of a free medical programme at Enyiogugu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government area of Imo State.
Coordinator of Global Hands Foundation, Etim Onukak, lauded the NDDC for providing the free health mission for the rural people. According to him, over 1,177 general outpatient cases have been undertaken by the team.
In his response, paramount ruler of Ezigaragu autonomous community, Eze Ezinna Madu, thanked the Federal Government for the gesture.
He noted that the health programme came at a time many people in the villages were finding it difficult to access healthcare facilities.
“We deeply appreciate this programme,” the monarch added.
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