DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Health & Science

Delta inaugurates new hospital, unveils free medical care programme

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Delta State, Nigeria, has inaugurated a new cottage hospital in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
  • The state government also launched a six-day free medical care program for residents, offering consultations, treatments, and specialized services.
  • The initiative aims to improve healthcare access, reduce travel burdens for residents, and aligns with the state's agenda to expand health infrastructure.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, officially commissioned a new cottage hospital in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area. The inauguration was accompanied by the launch of a six-day free medical care program designed to serve the community's health needs.

Governor Oborevwori praised the Oshimili North Local Government Council Chairman, Innocent Esewezie, for spearheading the project. He stated that the new facility will significantly alleviate the burden on residents, particularly pregnant women, children, and the elderly, who previously faced long journeys to access medical services. The governor emphasized that this project aligns with his administration's M.O.R.E. Agenda, which prioritizes the expansion of healthcare infrastructure throughout the state. "Access to quality, affordable healthcare should never be a luxury determined by location," Oborevwori remarked, highlighting the importance of bringing modern medical facilities directly into communities.

The free medical program, initiated by the Oshimili North Local Government Council, will provide a range of services including consultations, treatments, surgical interventions, dental care, and optical services. Chairman Esewezie explained that the hospital was established to address the critical need for basic healthcare, recognizing that community development is hindered when residents lack such essential services. He also announced the immediate enrollment of 200 residents into the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, with 150 beneficiaries designated for the Oshimili North Security Watch and 50 for children with special needs from local communities.

Furthermore, a portion of the new hospital has been dedicated to providing specialized care and support for children with special needs. The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, encouraged local government councils to increase enrollment in the health scheme to enhance access to affordable healthcare. The state government also pledged continued partnership with proactive local councils to deliver development projects across Delta State.

Access to quality, affordable healthcare should never be a luxury determined by location. By bringing modern medical facilities directly into our communities, we reduce the burden of travel for primary healthcare.

โ€” Sheriff OborevworiGovernor Oborevwori's statement on the importance of accessible healthcare and the new hospital's role.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.