The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has successfully conducted a free medical outreach at the General Hospital Out Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, where 48 patients underwent fibroid surgeries.
According to a statement released on Friday, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of NDDC, highlighted the importance of bringing healthcare services to rural communities, emphasizing that over 6,000 patients have already benefited from similar health missions in Akwa Ibom and Imo states.
Representing the NDDC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patience Ezugu, the Commission’s Director 2 for Education, Health, and Social Services, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to providing healthcare solutions to Niger Deltans. She stated that the NDDC has served over two million people across almost all communities in the region over the years.
Dr. Ogbuku noted the significant impact of the ongoing free healthcare program in Delta State, which began on May 6, 2024, with over 3,000 patients already receiving essential medical care. He highlighted the success of various surgeries, including cataract procedures, which have led to remarkable improvements in patients’ vision.
The NDDC boss also revealed plans to extend the healthcare initiative to more communities across the nine states of the Niger Delta region, following a mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Moreover, Dr. Ogbuku announced collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to implement a health insurance project and other health programs aimed at benefiting the people of the Niger Delta region.
Following an inspection of the facilities at the General Hospital Out Jeremi, Dr. George Uzonwanne, the NDDC Director for Education, Health, and Social Services, highlighted the success of previous medical outreaches in Ukana, Essien Udim LGA of Akwa Ibom State, and Oguta General Hospital in Oguta LGA of Imo State, where thousands of beneficiaries received medical care.