The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture Operating Mining Lease 17 (OML 17) Host Communities Development Trust has embarked on a significant humanitarian endeavor, launching a comprehensive free medical outreach program across its operational area in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This initiative targets 4,500 beneficiaries across 15 communities, including Umuechem, Igwuruta, Mgbodo-Alu, Eneka, Rumukurishi, Oyigbo, Iriebe, Umuebulu, Umuokwa, Odagwa, Egwi, Elelewon, Ozuoba, and Rumuigbo. The program aims to address the immediate healthcare needs of the residents while simultaneously promoting preventive healthcare practices, contributing to the overall well-being and sustainable development of these communities. This holistic approach encompasses a wide range of services, including medical consultations, health education sessions, wellness counselling, dental and eye care, and even surgical interventions where necessary.
The free medical outreach reflects the Trust’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The program’s comprehensive nature signifies a strategic investment in the human capital of the host communities, recognizing the vital role of health in fostering socio-economic progress. By providing access to quality healthcare services, the Trust aims to empower individuals, families, and communities to achieve their full potential, contributing to a more vibrant and prosperous region.
King Samuel Amaechi, the traditional ruler and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NNPC/Heirs Energies JV OML 17 HCDT, emphasized the critical importance of healthcare as a foundational element for sustainable development. He underscored the Trust’s dedication to the well-being of the communities within its operational area, stating that access to basic healthcare is essential for community development and overall societal prosperity. The monarch highlighted the outreach as a tangible demonstration of the Trust’s commitment to acting as a responsive and compassionate development institution, addressing both immediate needs and long-term health goals. He also expressed gratitude towards the partners, NNPC and Heirs Energies, for their instrumental support in realizing this significant initiative.
The collaborative effort between NNPC, Heirs Energies, and the HCDT signifies a shared vision for community development, recognizing the interconnectedness of health, economic empowerment, and social progress. This partnership demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships to effectively address critical community needs and contribute to achieving broader national development objectives. The medical outreach is not merely a reactive response to existing health challenges but represents a proactive strategy towards fostering healthier, more resilient communities. It embodies a commitment to building sustainable development foundations, enabling the host communities to thrive and prosper.
To ensure the effective implementation of this extensive medical outreach, the HCDT has deployed multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals across the participating communities. These teams comprise doctors, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, surgeons, and dentists, ensuring a comprehensive range of medical services can be provided. The deployment of these qualified professionals highlights the importance of ensuring access to specialized medical care, particularly in underserved communities where such services may be limited. The presence of diverse medical specialists ensures that beneficiaries receive appropriate and timely care, addressing a wide spectrum of health needs.
The OML 17 medical outreach program exemplifies a strategic and compassionate approach to community development, prioritizing health as a fundamental pillar of sustainable progress. By offering comprehensive healthcare services, promoting preventative care, and engaging in community-focused initiatives, the Trust, in collaboration with NNPC and Heirs Energies, is investing in the long-term well-being of the host communities. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to not just addressing immediate health needs, but also to building stronger, healthier, and more prosperous communities for the future. The impact of this program will extend beyond immediate healthcare provision, fostering greater community resilience, economic empowerment, and overall societal well-being.
