Access to healthcare remains a serious challenge for many remote communities, particularly in riverine areas like Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State, where limited facilities and difficult terrain often prevent timely medical care.
In response, Ibom Developers Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) organized a free medical outreach that has benefited over 1,000 residents. The initiative has been praised by beneficiaries and community stakeholders as a vital support, especially at a time when the area faces significant gaps in healthcare infrastructure.
“This is the first time we’ve seen something like this in our community. We lack adequate healthcare facilities. We’re deeply grateful that they brought medical assistance directly to us,” said Mrs. Goodnews John, a resident of Agbama village and one of the beneficiaries of the outreach.
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A community women leader and stakeholder, Mrs. Grace, also commended the company’s dedication to community welfare. “Our people have been struggling with treatable conditions due to limited access to healthcare services. This outreach brought much-needed relief to our homes. Ibom Developers FZE has made a meaningful impact,” she said.
The two-day program, held in Agbama community, focused on diagnosing and treating common but potentially serious illnesses such as malaria, typhoid fever, skin infections, hypertension, and diabetes-related conditions. Residents received medical consultations and free medication.
Dr. UwamAbasi Celsius, the lead physician for the outreach, described the effort as both timely and crucial. “This initiative by Ibom Developers FZE is a significant step toward improving health outcomes. We treated many severe cases of hypertension that could have worsened if left unattended. The people here face considerable challenges in accessing basic healthcare services,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Ms. Grace Inyang, Community Development Programme Coordinator, said the outreach was a response to the pressing health needs of the host community. “From this community to the next town, there is a notable absence of medical facilities. We responded to the needs of the people. So far, over 1,000 persons have received treatment, and many more are still being attended to,” she said.
The outreach forms part of Ibom Developers FZE’s broader Community Development Programme, a corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life in its host communities. With limited access to healthcare services, the people of Andoni have long faced significant health challenges. The outreach by Ibom Developers FZE represents a vital contribution to public health delivery and highlights the important role the private sector can play in supporting communities with limited access to healthcare services.
