Delta: SPDC commissions N69m health facility for Otu-Jeremi

THE Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has commissioned a N69.3 million modern Otu-Jeremi Health Centre as a kick-off of its Green project to accelerate the health need of locals at Otu-Jeremi, Headquarter of Ughelli-South Local Government Area of Delta State.The Otu-Jeremi Health Centre was initially commissioned on July 14, 1998 by SPDC Joint Venture as a conventional health facility for the people of Ughelli-South at a cost of N26 million, but was now developed into a sustainable eco-conservation with and modernised infrastructure in the hospital.According to Mr. Babatunde Fakunle, SPDC Regional Community Health Manager, 'To make the health centre a fully functional modern health facility, we provided state-of-the-art equipment, an ambulance, inaugurated the health facility management committee and initiated a functional drug revolving fund supplied with seed drugs stock.'The project is an effective collaboration between the government, community and SPDC. The government provides the workers and community provides land because there is need to cooperate.'Recently, we carried out a study on how to do it better, it is all about introducing a measure less dependent on the government and SPDC. When spiders unite, they can tie down an elephant. It calls for the cooperation for the development of the country.'On his part, Mr. Benson Kupa, the community chairman in his welcome address said, 'This project was borne out of SPDC's magnanimity in upgrading the health status and standard of Otughievwen people who are one of the major host communities in the Niger Delta region.'SPDC, over the years, has partnered with us in various welfare packages tailored to alleviating the suffering of our people by establishing projects like drinking water, well equipped science laboratory, renovation of secondary schools, soft loans amongst others, we are grateful to them.'Dr Joseph Otumara, the state Commissioner for Health, in his address said, 'I am particularly happy to see the partnering of SPDC with the government, provision of health care is not easy. The state government has committed so many funds in that area.'Otumara, represented by Dr Lilian Okpako, regretted that despite the huge commitment of the state government to free maternal health care that the local governments have refused to key into it. He urged them to join hands with the state government to drive the vision of free health care.
Click here to read full news..