The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has launched a free medical outreach aimed at serving approximately 3,500 people in Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
This initiative, part of the Nigerian Government’s intervention to enhance access to quality healthcare under the United Nations Universal Health Coverage, commenced in the southern senatorial district.
Dr George Uzonwanne, the Commission’s Director of Education, Health and Social Services, stated that the seven-day free medical services would be conducted across the local government areas of Akamkpa, Biase, and Odukpani.
The free medical services will include treatments for malaria, complex surgeries such as fibroid removals, eye treatments, and more. Additionally, the commission has a referral system in place for cases that cannot be treated at secondary facilities, which will be referred to tertiary hospitals.
To facilitate access to these free health services, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing the southern senatorial district of Cross River, provided free bus services and engaged commercial motorcycles to transport people to the designated facilities.
Senator Ekpenyong, present at the flag-off ceremony, emphasised the importance of providing quality healthcare in rural areas beyond Calabar, the Cross River State capital, and other major towns.
He expressed hope that this medical intervention would significantly complement Governor Bassey Otu’s efforts to deliver quality services to the citizens.
Mr Ewut Ebani, the traditional ruler of Akamkpa local government area, described the medical outreach as the single largest health intervention ever witnessed in the area.
He commended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for the multi-million-naira health intervention through the NDDC and appealed for the establishment of additional primary and secondary health facilities to further enhance access.