Mrs Sylva Promises Improved Health For Bayelsans

Wife of Bayelsa State

Governor, Mrs Alanyingi Sylva, has reiterated her resolve to improve the health and wellbeing of Bayelsans.

Sylva made the pledge at Koroama in Yenagoa Local Government Area at the beginning of a free medical outreach programme organised in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for communities in the three senatorial districts of the state.

She said the fight against the health challenges of Bayelsans was one she would not shy away from, adding that the good health of the citizens could aid the development of the society.

She said the free medical treatment would be carried out across the state and that those in need of minor surgery would be accommodated under the programme.

Sylva urged the people of Koroama to take their health seriously, saying that most deaths were due to neglect and lack of resources to tackle illnesses.

She also emphasised the need for cleanliness and routine medical check up to prevent the occurrence of diseases.

Sylva commended the state government for its support, and the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for living up to its social responsibilities.

Alabo Ekeuwei, the Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the State Government, said the programme was in line with the present administration’s desire to spread the dividends of democracy to the people.

Ekeuwei noted that no government worth its mandate could afford to toy with the health of the citizens, saying that a state could only be prosperous “if it can eradicate poverty and diseases’’.

While restating government’s preparedness to leave no stone unturned in line with the Millennium Development Goals, the SSG said government would continue to partner with relevant bodies to boost the living standards of rural dwellers.

Ekeuwei noted that in consonance with the objectives, government had provided emergency obstetric care units in all health institutions for emergency pregnancy-related cases.

He applauded the foresight of the governor’s wife in initiating the free medical outreach programme, saying that it had brought succour to Bayelsans.

Also speaking, the Leader of the Medical Team from SPDC, Dr Mosuro Olayinka, said the aim of the programme was to bring healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the people as part of the company’s social responsibility.

Olayinka also said the company was keying into the MDGs and expressed delight in partnering with the Centre for Gender Values and Culture in providing the service.

The SPDC team also announced that it would undertake free surgery, breast and cervical cancer screening, dental and eye care services, HIV and AIDs counseling.

It also said that it would distribute insecticide treated nets and de-worm children amongst others, during the programme.