Residents of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State will no longer have to travel long distances for basic medical care following the commissioning of a new cottage hospital in the community.
The newly completed facility was commissioned on Tuesday by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, while the Oshimili North Local Government Council also launched a six-day free medical programme for residents.
The project is expected to particularly benefit pregnant women, children, elderly residents and other vulnerable people who previously had to travel outside the community to access healthcare.
Speaking at the commissioning, Oborevwori commended the Chairman of Oshimili North LGA, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, for completing the project.
The governor said access to quality and affordable healthcare should not depend on where people live, adding that bringing healthcare facilities closer to communities would reduce the difficulties associated with travelling long distances for treatment.
He said the project was consistent with his administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda and its efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure 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,” the governor said.
Oborevwori urged residents to protect the facility and ensure that it continued to serve the community for many years.
He also assured residents that the state government would continue to support local government councils that initiated projects capable of improving the lives of residents at the grassroots.
Six days of free treatment
The Chairman of Oshimili North LGA, Esewezie, said the hospital was built out of the need to improve access to basic healthcare in the community.
According to him, meaningful development would be difficult to achieve if residents could not access essential health services.
He said the six-day free medical programme would provide residents with consultations, treatment and other services, including surgical, dental and optical care.
Esewezie also announced the immediate enrolment of 200 residents into the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.
He said 150 members of the Oshimili North Security Watch would benefit from the health insurance enrolment, while the remaining 50 slots would go to children with special needs from communities across the local government area.
The council chairman added that part of the new hospital had been set aside to provide care and support for children with special needs.
Health commission urges wider enrolment
The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, urged other local government councils to enrol more residents in the state health insurance scheme.
He said wider enrolment would help more residents access healthcare at an affordable cost and reduce the financial burden associated with medical treatment.
Okowa, monarch commend project
Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, commended Esewezie for the initiative, describing the project as an example of how local government councils could contribute to development at the grassroots.
The Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Michael Ogbolu, also welcomed the hospital, saying it would address some of the challenges faced by vulnerable residents in accessing healthcare.
The monarch said pregnant women, children and elderly people in the area had previously travelled long distances to obtain basic medical attention.
With the commissioning of the hospital and the launch of the free medical programme, residents of Okpanam are expected to have easier access to essential healthcare services, while the facility is expected to serve as a long-term addition to the community’s healthcare infrastructure.
