The NNPC Limited/First E&P Joint Venture (JV) has successfully completed its 4th medical and health outreach programme in Bayelsa, targeting 11 KEFFESO host communities. The outreach, which began on September 21, offered free medical consultations, laboratory testing, eye and dental screenings, eye surgeries, and health education. This initiative was organised in partnership with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT) and supported by a team of medical professionals.
The medical outreach provided essential healthcare services to residents in remote areas, overcoming barriers such as distance, transportation challenges, and limited access to medical personnel. Individuals identified as needing surgery for treatable eye conditions were enrolled in a specialised eye surgery program at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, with the surgeries fully funded as part of the initiative. This program aims to improve access to healthcare in producing communities.
Acting Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Olanrewaju Igandan, emphasised the importance of healthcare in community development. He stated that healthy communities are better positioned to engage in education, economic activities, and other facets of community development. Igandan represented by Advisor for Community Relations, Isaiah Ali, highlighted the role of medical outreaches in improving access to healthcare.
Executive Director of Corporate Services at FIRST E&P, Emmanuel Etomi, noted that the KEFFESO Medical Outreach has served over 10,000 people across 11 communities over the past four years. The initiative provides preventive care, early diagnosis, and treatment, helping to overcome barriers to specialist care. Etomi added that the outreach is part of the company's broader commitment to enhancing the well-being of its host communities.
Dr Ngowari Torunana, Director of Services at the Ministry of Health, Bayelsa State, praised the residents of the various communities for their peaceful coexistence with the company. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to deliver medical services to residents. Dr Henry Amaegberi, Vice Chairman of the KHCDT, commended FIRST E&P for fulfilling its mandate of ensuring the well-being of its host communities.
The medical outreach has received positive feedback from beneficiaries, including Mrs Christiana Ebiye, who expressed gratitude to FIRST E&P for providing access to medical attention that would otherwise have been difficult or costly to obtain. The initiative has created opportunities for residents to receive essential medical services, promote early detection of health conditions, and raise awareness of healthy practices.
The NNPC Limited/First E&P JV's commitment to community well-being is evident in its sustained investments in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. The KEFFESO Medical Outreach has become a vital program in providing quality healthcare services to remote communities, and its impact will continue to be felt in the region. The partnership between NNPC, FIRST E&P, and KHCDT has set a precedent for collaborative efforts in delivering essential services to host communities.
Key points
- The NNPC/First E&P JV's 4th KEFFESO medical outreach provided free healthcare services to 11 host communities in Bayelsa.
- The initiative has served over 10,000 people across 11 communities over the past four years.
- The program includes a specialised eye surgery initiative, with surgeries fully funded at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.
