The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced plans to resume its Free Healthcare Programme, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery to rural communities in the Niger Delta region. The Director for Education, Health, and Social Services at NDDC, Dr. George Uzonwanne, revealed that all necessary arrangements, including award and procurement processes, have been concluded for the program to restart by the end of January or early February.
The Free Healthcare Programme, considered the flagship initiative of the Commission, was temporarily suspended due to funding challenges. Dr. Uzonwanne expressed excitement about its resuscitation by the current Board and Management of NDDC, emphasizing its significance to the people of the Niger Delta region.
The program is expected to cover the nine NDDC mandate states, providing medical outreach services to communities in need. Dr. Uzonwanne assured that medical professionals are being mobilized for the initiative, and arrangements have been made to distribute drugs and hospital equipment to health institutions in the region.
In addition to the Free Healthcare Programme, the NDDC is actively involved in supporting grants for the sick and indigent people of the region. The Commission also contributes to the training of healthcare workers in regional health institutions. Dr. Uzonwanne highlighted the medical assistance program, treating individuals whose ailments couldn’t be handled in the free medical program or where the affected individuals cannot afford medical bills.
He emphasized that the Commission’s intervention in healthcare is aimed at treating indigent people who cannot afford basic healthcare. The NDDC is currently registering indigent people in the Niger Delta region to enable them to access healthcare services and treatment through primary healthcare centers.
