FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) and the Healthy Heart Foundation have launched a three-year partnership to provide accessible open-heart surgeries and advanced cardiovascular care for less privileged Nigerians.
The total package of the initiative is estimated at N2.6 billion with an annual grant of $500,000 (N875 million) that will run over a three-year period beginning from 2024.
The initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers that prevent beneficiaries of the foundation from receiving essential cardiovascular treatments.
Launching the partnership, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Pate applauded the two institutions.
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He said the fastest growing segment of the country’s r burden of diseases is non communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
He said expanding health insurance was vital to ensuring that Nigerian access quality and affordable healthcare.
He said, “We are truly grateful for this remarkable partnership between FIRST E&P and the Healthy Heart Foundation, which exemplifies the power of collaboration across sectors. This initiative provides access to quality cardiac care for Nigerians at a critical time, addressing the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases. It is partnerships like these that will help us improve health outcomes, expand access to essential services, and ultimately save lives. On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and all Nigerians, I extend my heartfelt thanks for this impactful intervention.”
Chairman of the Board of FIRST E&P, Henry Odein Ajumogobia said the partnership not only represents a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility for the underserved communities in Nigeria but also sets a precedent for future health -related collaborations.
He said, “Of the thousands of Nigerians that require heart surgery annually, only about 200 surgeries are carried out each year. At FIRST E&P, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our people, the prosperity of our communities, the preservation of the environment, and maintaining the highest standards of governance. We are pleased to provide funding to help bridge the gap in healthcare and provide critical care to those who need it most.”
He said over the next three years, more than 360 individuals are expected to benefit from free open-heart surgeries through this programme.
Co-founder of the Healthy Heart Foundation and MD/CEO of First Cardiology Consultants, Dr. Adeyemi Johnson, said the partnership will facilitate the provision of a range of cardiovascular related treatments, including open-heart surgeries and minimally invasive procedures such as Percutaneous Cardiac Interventions (Coronary Angiograms and Angioplasties), as well as Device Insertions including Pacemakers, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD).
He said, “We are honoured to partner with FIRST E&P in this noble initiative. This collaboration marks the dawn of a new era of hope for those in need. Together, we embark on a journey to surpass limitations and save lives. The Healthy Heart Foundation stands resolute in our mission, recognizing that together, we can rewrite the narrative of cardiac healthcare accessibility.”
Managing Director of FIRST E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, said, “This ethos is reflected in our social development initiatives, which focus on three key areas: education, health, and enterprise development & job creation. By supporting programs like this, we ensure that our contributions in the energy sector are matched by efforts to improve lives.”
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