The NNPC/Heirs Energies JV OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust has launched a free medical outreach initiative aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for residents across the OML 17 acreage in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The initiative, spanning 15 centres in Umuechem, Igwuruta, Mgbodo-Alu, Eneka, Rumukurishi, Oyigbo, Iriebe, Umuebulu, Umuokwa, Odagwa, Egwi, Elelewon, Ozuoba, and Rumuigbo, will deliver free medical consultations, health education, wellness counselling, dental care, eye care, and surgical services to an estimated 4,500 beneficiaries.

According to a statement made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, the outreach is designed to address both urgent and preventive healthcare needs in the region.

The traditional ruler and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NNPC/Heirs Energies JV OML 17 HCDT, King Samuel Amaechi, emphasised the importance of health as a pillar of sustainable development.

“This medical outreach is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the well-being of our people. We recognise that no community can thrive without access to basic healthcare. Through this initiative, the HCDT is not only meeting immediate health needs but also reaffirming its role as a responsive and compassionate development institution. We are grateful to our partners, the NNPC and Heirs Energies, for their support in making this vision a reality,” the monarch said.

According to the statement, OML 17 Medical Outreach forms part of the Trust’s mission to implement sustainable development programmes that align with the Petroleum Industry Act and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Medical teams comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists, surgeons, and dentists were reportedly deployed across the participating communities.