As a measure to alleviate suffering and health hazards of oil spills and its antecedent environmental pollution, Bayelsa State Government has provided free medical outreaches to over 500 victims of oil spills in Agbura and Otuokpoti communities in Yenagoa and Ogbia Local Government Areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Newton Igwele, while speaking during the event said that Governor Douye Diri was committed to providing quality healthcare services to residents of the state.
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He noted that the outreach programme to both communities affected by recent oil spills was the government’s way of alleviating their suffering.
The Commissioner, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Dr. Appah Williams, also used the opportunity to call on Bayelsans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and not pay attention to rumours circulating on social media claiming that it was not safe.
He said: “This outreach is part of the government’s mantra to deliver quality health care to the people of the state and the governor is very interested in the wellbeing of the people in the community.
“When news filtered that there was oil spillage around, the governor directed us to see what we can do to assist this community. We also have COVID-19 vaccines available.
“For those interested in testing for COVID-19, we also brought a testing stand. We are also holding the same activities in Otuokpoti as well,” Dr. Igwele stated.
A medical practitioner, Dr. Apapa Onisowuiun, in his remarks, appealed to the residents to take advantage of the free medical outreach to know their health status and receive treatment of diagnosed disease.
A member of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Otuopkoti, Mr. Godgift Aboki described the outreach as a welcome development and hoped for more of such, adding that it has saved them the cost of going to Yenagoa for treatment.
