The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving public healthcare in Ogoniland with the installation of modern medical equipment at the Model Primary Health Centre in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The intervention is part of HYPREP’s Phase Two Public Health Strengthening Initiative, which targets four government-owned health facilities across Ogoni.
During an inspection of the newly installed equipment on Saturday, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, said the intervention would significantly improve healthcare delivery and provide residents with access to quality medical services.
According to him, the project goes beyond constructing health facilities by ensuring they are equipped with modern medical technology to support healthcare workers in delivering efficient services.
Zabbey explained that the equipment supplied was based on a needs assessment of the facility and urged both the hospital management and the host community to protect the investment through a sense of ownership.
He said HYPREP would continue collaborating with the Rivers State Ministry of Health to ensure proper management, maintenance and optimal use of the equipment.
The project coordinator noted that HYPREP’s holistic implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations includes potable water projects, environmental remediation, groundwater treatment, mangrove restoration, livelihood programmes and the construction of specialist and cottage hospitals to improve the wellbeing of Ogoni communities.
He also disclosed that HYPREP has created more than 7,000 direct jobs through its environmental restoration programmes and plans to engage over 1,500 additional youths in the coming weeks, bringing the total number of jobs created to nearly 9,000.
Medical Officer of the Model Primary Health Centre, Onne, Dr. Boma Banigo, described the intervention as timely, noting that the facility now boasts some of the most advanced medical equipment available in the area.
Similarly, Chairman of the Onne Community Development Committee, Godfrey Maate, commended HYPREP for the upgrade and assured that the community would work with the hospital management to safeguard the facility.
The health centre now operates with 24-hour solar-powered electricity. It has been equipped with advanced diagnostic, surgical and maternity equipment, including a digital ECG machine, 4D ultrasound system, hormone analyser, patient monitors, oxygen concentrators, autoclaves, theatre equipment, incubators, hospital beds, delivery beds and other modern medical accessories.
Earlier, Professor Zabbey also inspected the ongoing HYPREP potable water project in Yeghe, Gokana Local Government Area.
