OVER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SUCCESSFUL SURGERIES PERFORMED AT NDDC FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN OBEHIE, ABIA STATE
BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, FRCN, PORT HARCOURT
About one hundred and thirty successful surgeries have been performed at the ongoing free medical mission embarked upon by Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, that targets about three thousand beneficiaries in Obehie, Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State.
Managing Director NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku who flagged off the programme in the community told the people that the free medical was meant to cater for the healthcare needs of the region in addition to infrastructural development.
The free medical that has been carried out in all the states in the Niger Delta region has recorded more than twenty thousand beneficiaries since inception.
Apart from the general surgeries, there were fibroid surgeries, eye surgeries as well as dental procedures.
Declaring open the outreach in Obehie, the Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, DR. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the representative of Abia State on the board of NDDC, chief Dimgba Erugba explained that the programme was designed to cater for the health demands of the people.
He acknowledged that the commission was aware of the health challenges of the region coupled with the biting economy, hence the need to intervene and alleviate the burden on residents.
The MD who expressed satisfaction over the success of the programme in all the states, assured that NDDC was determined to take development to the rural communities.
Similarly, Director Abia State Office, NDDC, Prince Azubike Nwubani who described choice of the venue as a rare privilege, enjoined the residents to take advantage of the programme and be treated of their ailments.
Mr. Nwubani applauded the present board that gave the backing for revival of Free medical which stopped years back
.
The State Director was happy that construction of deplorable Obehie Okikpe road by NDDC has increased economic activities in the locality.
On his part, Chairman Ukwa West Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Chief Chinyere Dike, who expressed happiness that NDDC brought the Free medical to the community, however pleaded that the commission assit in restoration of electricity in the community.
Two of the beneficiaries, Harrison Dike who had an eye surgery and Monica Egbedon, who had fibroid surgery and came all the way from Bayelsa State, were full of joy.
Another beneficiary Amarachi Godson who also had a fibroid surgery appreciated NDDC for the gesture, appealing that the programme be made regular.
The event also featured health talk on Malaria prevention, distribution of eyes glasses and mosquito treated nets.
