Help has come the way of the host community of Oriental Resources Energy, as the oil firm operating in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State provided the people with free medical care.
The exercise which was organised in collaboration with a non- governmental organisation, Faith Optical and Medical Services attracted a large crowd of beneficiaries.
A breakdown shows that fewer than 4,634 patients received treatment s for various ailments with 33 undergoing eye surgery, while over 100 patients got eye glasses and took place at the Health Centre, Enwang, the local government headquarters. It saw pregnant women also receiving ante- natal kits even as school children and their teachers got home with hygiene sets.
Speaking during the exercise, Anslem Okere, deputy manager community relations of the company said the free medical exercise was part of the company’s corporat e social responsibility programme aimed at ensuring a healthy populace in their host communities.
“We take host communities as major stakeholders in our operations. We have done the free medical outreach on several occasions and the turnout has always been tremendous. This year, we added the free eye surgery because the people demanded for it and ween
www.businessday.ng sure that their demand was met and they have appreciated the gesture so much. We have also embarked on other social investment s including, scholarship, skill acquisition center at Enwang, 100 units of housing at Enwang Teachers’ Quarters at Effiat, among others,” he said.
Asukwo Eyo, chairman of the l ocal government council who declared the programme open, applauded the oil company for the exercise, which he stated, would go a l ong way in meeting the health needs of the people and complementing government ’s efforts at providing affordable health care to the citizens.
“This exercise is indeed a welcome development. We are happy with this kind of gesture. I urge other firms facebook.com/businessdayng to take a cue from this company,” he said.
Managing Director, Faith Optical and Medical Services, David Ehimhen said need assessment led to the inclusion of eye surger y in this year’s ou reach, describing the weeklong exercise as successful. He lauded the community for their cooperation
One of the beneficiaries, 73- year- old Sylvanus Bassey whose sight was restored lauded the initiative saying it has changed his life for good.
A member community relations committee, Mfon Henry also expressed delight over the free medical service; but however, urged the firm to increase the budgetary allocation of the yearly programme to accommodate more patients. @Businessdayng @Businessdayng
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