No fewer than 3,000 residents have benefited from a three-day free medical outreach organised by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), in Zarama Community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The programme is in collaboration between the Bayelsa Ministry of Health and SPDC and offers a wide range of accessible quality health care services.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Zarama Health Centre, on Thursday, the SPDC Head of Corporate Relations, Igo Weli, said the programme is to enhance healthcare service to the people.
He said that the company which is the operator of the NPC/SPDC/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture is committed towards quality healthcare of its host communities.
Weli was represented by Mr Alex Onumbu, the Cooperate Relations Head Projects and Opportunities SPDC.
Weli said the latest phase of the programme is called “Vision First Plus Programme.’’
“It is a five days of community-focused eye care initiative that centres on providing comprehensive eye care services to the Uzu development project communities.
“These communities are Zarama-Epie, Zarama-Nyambiri, Okotiama, Agbia, Nedugo, Ayama, Ogboloma, Okolobiri, Obunagha, Tunuama & Kumboama and surrounding communities of Yenagoa area of Bayelsa.
“This Vision First Plus is in collaboration with Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, the Bayelsa Ministry of Health, Yenagoa Local Government Area and the Uzu community gatekeepers involved in this project.
“Health-in-Motion is an impactful, nationwide community healthcare programme designed to bring essential healthcare service to the people where they live and where they work.
“Nigeria faces significant challenges in this regard, with an estimated 4.25 million people over the age of 40 living with moderate to severe visual impairment or blindness,” he said.
He said that more than 3,977 people in the Niger Delta area have benefitted from the Vision First programme since it was introduced in 2020.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, said the state was determined to take qualitative healthcare to the doorsteps of every citizen of Bayelsa.
Brisibe was represented by Dr Ngowari Torunana, the Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health.
He lauded the SPDC and its partners for the great initiatives, saying that Gov. Douye Diri-led administration has taken some bold steps in healthcare delivery to Bayelsa people.
The community leaders from Zarama area, King College Ogbara, King Lawson Oruwari, of Epie Zarama, Head Okordia Clan King Richard Seiba, all thanked SPDC for the programme which they said was impactful on the people.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Oliva Oduwari also commended SPDC for the free medical services to the people and appealed that it be extended to more communities in the state.(NAN).
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