The Delta State Government has inaugurated a newly completed cottage hospital in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, alongside a six-day free medical care programme for residents.
The hospital was commissioned on Tuesday by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, while the free medical programme was initiated by the Oshimili North Local Government Council.
Oborevwori commended the council chairman, Innocent Esewezie, for executing the project, saying the facility would reduce the burden on residents, particularly pregnant women, children and elderly people who previously travelled long distances to access healthcare.
The governor said the project was in line with his administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda and its commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure across the state.
He said, “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 urged residents to protect the facility and ensure that it remained useful to present and future generations.
He also promised that his administration would continue to partner with proactive local government councils to provide development projects across the state.
The Chairman of Oshimili North LGA, Esewezie, said the hospital was established because a community could not develop effectively when residents lacked access to basic healthcare.
He said the six-day free medical programme would provide consultations, treatment and other services, including surgical, dental and optical care.
Esewezie also announced the immediate enrolment of 200 residents in the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.
He said 150 beneficiaries would be members of the Oshimili North Security Watch, while the remaining 50 would be children with special needs from communities across the local government area.
The council chairman said part of the hospital had also been dedicated to providing care and support for children with special needs.
The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, urged local government councils to enrol more residents in the scheme to improve access to affordable healthcare.
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, also commended the council chairman for the initiative, saying local government chairmen across the state were contributing to grassroots development.
The Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Michael Ogbolu, said the hospital would address the difficulties previously faced by vulnerable residents in accessing healthcare.
He said pregnant women, children and elderly residents had often travelled long distances to obtain basic medical attention.
The commissioning marked a major addition to healthcare infrastructure in Okpanam, while the free medical programme is expected to provide residents with immediate access to treatment and other essential health services.
