An oil firm, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd, has organized a free medical outreach for more than 3,000 residents across several communities in Bayelsa State.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday at the Kaima Referral Hospital, the General Manager, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd, Mr Igo Weli, said the four-day programme aimed to enhance healthcare services for the people.
Weli was represented by Mr Evans Krukrubo, Community Relations Manager of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd.
The outreach was organised in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation, Uzu Field, GSW, and the EPU2 Project Team.
According to Weli, the initiative is part of a community-focused health programme that delivers comprehensive eye care services to host communities of Renaissance Africa Energy Company projects.
“The programme covers EPU2 project communities (Kaima, Okorotomu, Igbainwari, Orubiri, Gbaran-ama, Ayibabiri) in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area; Uzu project communities (Polaku, Asaingbini, Tonuama, Koroama, Kumboama) in Gbaran; and GSW project communities (Opolo, Onopa, Yenizuegene, Etegwe) in Epie/Atissa.
“We also expect that these medical services will benefit neighbouring communities around the areas mentioned,” Weli said.
He explained that the Vision First Plus programme was a flagship component of Renaissance Africa Energy Company’s Health-in-Motion initiative, a nationwide healthcare outreach focused on protecting eyesight and reducing preventable blindness.
“Beyond improving access to treatment, this programme will help reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness in a sustainable way,” he added.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, lauded the initiative, noting that the government was committed to delivering quality healthcare to all residents.
He commended Renaissance Africa Energy Company and its partners for their support, noting that the Douye Diri-led administration had taken bold steps in healthcare reform.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mercy Ebiwari, expressed gratitude to the oil firm for the free medical services and urged the organisation to expand the programme to reach more communities. NAN
