Ogbuku stated this at a ceremony to re-launch the NDDC’s free health care programme at the Ukana Cottage Hospital in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The NDDC boss, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said the Commission, through the free medical mission, had provided health solutions to over two million Niger Deltans across almost all communities in the region, emphasising its determination 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.
A typical free medical mission uses volunteer medical personnel who set up a field hospital in the premises of a medical facility. The health programme usually includes general consultations, and laboratory tests, surgical interventions in gynecological cases, obstetrics, ophthalmic among others.
The programme also offers general health education and counseling, especially for communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS. Those with serious ailments that cannot be treated at the field offices are referred to tertiary health institutions for more comprehensive care.
At the week-long medical mission at the Ukana Cottage Hospital, the sick and infirm from several communities in the local government area and beyond trooped out in search of healing.
The motley crowd of the old and the young waited patiently as they took turns to be attended to by the medical personnel. They were met by an equally patient medical team put together by the NDDC in conjunction with Pro-Health International.
The programme brought showers of blessing for Mrs. Happiness Idiok Francis, who was delivered of twins, two boys. The lucky woman, who hails from Abia State, was full of praises to God and the NDDC for making it possible for her to carry her children.
For Mrs. Ndianaobong Bassey, it was time to say goodbye to disconcerting abdominal pains caused by fibroid. It took a major surgery from the medical team to relieve her of the tumour and the accompanying pains which she had endured for many years.
Mrs. Afaha Ikot Ibok, who lives with her husband in Ukana, was delivered through a caesarian section. It was a big relief for the family because they did not know where to turn to for help before the free health programme came to their doorsteps.
Mr. Monday Akpan, who brought his mother for treatment, said he was delighted that the free healthcare programme came to Essien Udim at a time he was almost giving up hope on how to save his sick mother but could not find money to take her to a private clinic for medical treatment.
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 had extended health facilities and services to many communities across the region.
According to Dr. Uzonwanne, there was 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 the critical intervention in the health sector, noting that the partners provided free healthcare services to several communities regularly.
He said: “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.
“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.”
He added: “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.
“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.”
