Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, commissioned the newly completed Cottage Hospital in Okpanam and flagged off a Free Medical Care Programme for residents of the area.
The hospital project, initiated and executed by the Oshimili North Local Government Council, aligns directly with the core pillars of the state administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, particularly its commitment to meaningful development and sustainable healthcare interventions across Delta State.
Speaking at the ceremony Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., emphasized that access to quality and affordable healthcare should not depend on a citizen’s location.
He noted that bringing modern medical facilities into local communities reduces the burden of travel for primary healthcare and ensures prompt medical attention for vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly.
The Governor commended the leadership of the Oshimili North Local Government Area for executing the project, describing local council administrations as vital bridges between state governance and grassroots communities.
He stated that delivering a fully equipped cottage hospital reflects clear alignment with state priorities and dedication to public welfare.
Governor Oborevwori said, “this project aligns directly with the core pillars of our M.O.R.E. Agenda, specifically, our commitment to meaningful development and sustainable health interventions across Delta State.
“Access to quality, affordable healthcare should never be a luxury determined by zip code; by bringing modern medical facilities directly into our communities, we reduce the burden of travel for primary healthcare and ensure that our women, children, and elderly receive prompt medical attention when they need it most.
”I commend Hon. Innocent Ezewezie-led Oshimili North Local Government Council for initiating and executing this vital project.
“Local government administrations play a crucial role as the primary bridge between the state and the grassroots; as such, delivering a fully equipped Cottage Hospital demonstrates a clear alignment with state priorities and a genuine dedication to the welfare of the people of Okpanam and surrounding areas.
“Alongside commissioning this facility, the flag-off of the Free Medical Care Programme ensures that infrastructure is immediately matched with service.
“Quality buildings fulfill their true purpose only when the services inside are accessible, affordable, and compassionate.
“To the people of Okpanam, this facility belongs to you; I urge community leaders, health workers, and residents to take ownership of this hospital, protect the equipment, and ensure it serves as a beacon of health and well-being for generations to come.
“Our administration remains resolute in extending strategic infrastructure and human capital development to every corner of Delta State.
“We will continue to partner proactive local council leadership to replicate successes like this across all 25 Local Government Areas.”
The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, appealed to local government councils to enrol more citizens into the contributory health system to enhance access to healthcare.
Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, commended the council chairman for the initiative in establishing a cottage hospital for the people of Okpanam and Oshimili North.
Dr. Okowa noted that council chairmen across the state are performing well, undertaking various developmental projects and paying workers’ salaries, and urged them to continue to bring out positive reforms that will benefit the people.
Earlier, the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Michael Ogbolu, disclosed that vulnerable residents, especially pregnant women, children and the elderly, had previously faced herculean challenges in accessing prompt, quality healthcare, with many travelling long, stressful distances for basic medical attention.
In a welcome address, Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, said a community cannot prosper when its people are unable to access basic healthcare, noting that infrastructure alone is not enough without competent personnel, appropriate equipment, accessible healthcare financing and programmes that ensure ordinary citizens actually benefit.
He announced the flag-off of a comprehensive six-day Free Medical Care Programme offering medical consultations, treatments and interventions, including surgical procedures, dental and optical services.
The chairman disclosed that 200 persons are being enrolled immediately into the Delta State Contributory Health Commission programme.
He noted that, 150 of them are operatives of the Oshimili North Security Watch, who have been contributing immensely to the protection of lives and property, while the remaining 50 beneficiaries will comprise autistic children (children with special needs) drawn from communities across the area.
The Council Chairman said, part of the hospital’s facilities has also been donated to provide dedicated support and care for these children, reflecting the council’s belief that healthcare must be compassionate, inclusive and accessible to every member of the community.
