The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has provided free medical services to over two million residents in the Niger Delta region.
The announcement was made by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, in a statement available during the flag-off of the medical outreach in Cross River State on Sunday.
Representing the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, was Dr. Eme Inyangabia, the Assistant Director of Education, Health, and Social Services. Dr. Inyangabia emphasized that the outreach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims for universal health coverage and overall well-being.
“This free healthcare program is a flagship initiative of the NDDC, aimed at transforming the health narrative of the Niger Delta people,” said Dr. Inyangabia. The outreach, conducted across eight states, focuses on providing essential medical services, including malaria treatment and fibroid surgeries.
Dr. George Uzonwanne, the NDDC Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, explained, “Patients undergoing surgeries will be monitored until discharge, and those needing advanced care will be referred to tertiary facilities.” He also mentioned the target to treat 3,000 to 3,500 patients, equating to 12,000 to 15,000 data points, considering multiple interventions per patient.
The flag-off event saw the attendance of notable figures such as Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Okon Owuna, member of the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, and the paramount ruler of Akamkpa, Ewot Ebani.
