By Mokobia Rita.
OKPANAM/Nigeria: Residents of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State will benefit from a new cottage hospital and a six-day free medical care programme launched alongside the commissioning of the facility on Tuesday.
The hospital was commissioned by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, while the free medical programme was initiated by the Oshimili North Local Government Council under the chairmanship of Hon. Innocent Esewezie.
The development is expected to improve access to healthcare for residents who previously had to travel outside the community for medical attention, particularly pregnant women, children, elderly persons and other vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the provision of healthcare facilities at the grassroots was central to his administration’s development agenda.
He said access to quality healthcare should not be determined by whether a person lives in an urban or rural community, stressing that government had a responsibility to bring essential services closer to the people.
Represented by Onyeme, the Governor commended Esewezie and the Oshimili North Council for delivering the project, describing local government administrations as important partners in translating development policies into tangible benefits at the grassroots.
He said the immediate commencement of free medical services alongside the commissioning was particularly significant because healthcare infrastructure would have little impact if residents could not afford or access the services provided.
“Quality buildings fulfil their true purpose only when the services inside are accessible, affordable and compassionate,” the Governor said.
Oborevwori also urged residents and community leaders to protect the hospital and its equipment to ensure that the facility continues to serve the community.
He reaffirmed his administration’s intention to work with local councils in delivering projects that improve healthcare, infrastructure and human capital development across Delta State.
The Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, said the council’s priority was not merely to provide a hospital building but to establish a facility capable of offering practical healthcare services to residents.
He said the six-day free medical programme would cover consultations, treatment and medical interventions, including surgical, dental and optical services.
Esewezie also disclosed that 200 people would be enrolled immediately in the Delta State Contributory Health Commission scheme.
He said 150 of the beneficiaries would be drawn from the Oshimili North Security Watch, while 50 would be children with special needs from communities across the local government area.
The council chairman added that part of the hospital had been set aside to provide support for children with special needs, describing the initiative as part of the council’s commitment to inclusive healthcare.
The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, urged local government councils to intensify efforts to enrol residents in the state’s contributory health insurance scheme.
He described wider enrolment as an important step towards making healthcare more accessible and reducing the financial burden on residents seeking medical treatment.
Also speaking at the ceremony, former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, commended the Oshimili North Council chairman for the initiative.
Okowa said local government administrations could make significant contributions to development when resources were directed towards projects that have direct impact on residents.
He encouraged council chairmen across the state to sustain the implementation of programmes capable of producing lasting benefits at the grassroots.
The Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Michael Ogbolu, said the new facility would address a longstanding challenge faced by residents.
The traditional ruler said pregnant women, children and elderly residents had previously encountered difficulties accessing prompt medical attention, with some travelling considerable distances for basic healthcare.
He expressed appreciation to the state government and Oshimili North Council for the intervention, saying the hospital would improve the quality of healthcare available to people in Okpanam and neighbouring communities.
The commissioning and medical outreach mark a new phase in healthcare provision in the community, with the council expected to continue efforts to equip and support the facility after the initial free-care programme.
