BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, FRCN PORT HARCOURT
Over three thousand five hundred persons are to benefit from the a week long medical outreach embarked upon by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in Akamkpa, Biase and Odukpani Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
The Director of Education, Health and Social Services of the NDDC, Doctor George Uzonwanne, stated this during the flag-off of the outreach at the General Hospital, Akamkpa.
The Director of Education Health and Social Services, of the NDDC, Dr George Uzonwanne, who described the outreach as a comprehensive medical intervention said the beneficiaries were to undergo screening and treatment ranging from maleria to all kinds of surgeries, including eye surgery.
Dr Uzonwanne explained that the health services which is in partnership with pro-health organization is also undertaking free consultation and counselling, free drugs, as well as free eye check and distributiou
On his part, the Senator for the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who facilitated the outreach through the provision of logistics support to beneficiaries, said he was passionate about the health of his Constituents as a necessary condition for economic prosperity in the area.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong further expressed the hope that the medical intervention would, in small measure, complement the effort of the state government towards the delivery of quality health care to the citizenry.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria, Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa Local Government Area, His Majesty, Ewut Ebani, who was re-presented by the clan head of Akamkpa town, chief Paul Ntui, described the medical outreach as the most massive ever witnessed in the area during his life time.
Commending the NDDC for the intervention, Chief Ntui appealed to government at all levels to come to their aid through the establishment of more primary and secondary health facilities to ease access to medical services in area.
While expressing gratitude to the Niger Delta Development Commission, some of the beneficiaries described the medical outreach was life saving.
As part of the outreach, there will be free consultation and counselling, free eye check, as well as free distribution of drugs and glasses, among other items.
