By Frank Edima
The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC yesterday commenced a “free health care mission” in Bakassi Local Government of Cross River state.
The Free Health Care Mission was organized by the NDDC in partnership with Pro-Health International and Efik Community in Diaspora.
The Chairman of Bakassi Local Government Area, Mrs. Edisua Usang Iso, who officially flagged off the project, implored all the people of Bakassi to make the most of the opportunity by participating fully.
According to her, “The Efik Association in U.S.A has exhibited a magnanimity that is so uncommon. They know the community they left behind and today they have come to serve without any selfish obligation… I implore all the people in Bakassi to make the most of this God given opportunity by participating fully to compliment the effort of our brothers and sisters who have travelled from far and near to give us this service free of charge.”
The Managing Director of NDDC, represented by the Director Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Solomon Ita, said it was one of the NDDC mandate to provide medical services to the people of Bakassi and its environs.
He further added that NDDC has 42 missions across the 9 mandate states and that the Free Medical Care Mission was organised for four local governments in Cross River with Bakassi inclusive.
According to the representative of Pro-Health International, Dr. Chris Njokwu, consulting doctors have met with 604 patients. Drugs have been dispensed over the counter to 531 patients. 543 patients have benefited from Eye Care services while 245 have received lenses. Laboratory attendants have attended to 315 patients while 56 have dental cases with 8 extractions.”
During the program, about 28 surgery cases were transferred to Calabar for proper care.
Dr. Njokwu told CrossRiverWatch that “Zero mortality is our aim that is why we transfer surgery cases to Children and Women Hospital in Calabar because we do not have such facilities here.”
Expressing how impactful the project has been, the Supervisor for Health in Bakassi LGA, Mrs. Okuanwan recalled that one if the beneficiaries had a surgery case that would have demanded Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250,000) but was rescued during the free medical care project.
Mrs. Edisua further appreciated the organizers for making Bakassi one of their mission fields and for their wonderful collaboration.
“They have shown a high level of commitment in terms of human resources and also in the provision of accessible infrastructure in the health sector. They are indeed a dependable partner.” she added.
The project which started on Sunday, 9th November, was officially flagged off by the NDDC, Pro-Health International and Bakassi Local Government Council. The project will on Saturday, 4th November, 2015.
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