Bayelsa Govt celebrates five years in office with free medical outreach 

The Bayelsa Government has launched a free medical outreach programme to commemorate Gov. Douye Diri’s five years in office, held at the Ikarama Cottage Hospital in Okordia Clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area.

Diri stated that the initiative part of the prosperity government’s efforts under his leadership, was aimed at creating a robust and resilient healthcare system to ensure equitable access to quality medical services for all.

He explained that, “The outreach programme offered free medical consultations, minor surgical interventions, screenings, and health education, with a particular focus on maternal and child health and preventive services for vulnerable populations.

“The facility will not only serve Bayelsa but also benefit neighbouring communities in Rivers State, especially those in Joinkarama 1, 2, 3, 4, and Mbaiama,” he added.

Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, the Commissioner for Health, emphasised that the outreach programme was fully operational, with staff deployed across all communities in Okordia Clan.

He noted that while minor surgeries were successfully conducted at the facility, more complex cases would be referred to designated healthcare centres.

Brisibe stressed that access to food supplements and healthcare was a fundamental right and encouraged Bayelsa residents to make full use of the opportunity.

In his remark, King Wariebi Beribozigha, the Paramount Ruler of Ikarama Community, provided a historical account of the healthcare facility.

He said that the idea of establishing the centre began between 1986 and 1995, with King Guine Okah donating the land for the project.

“The construction of the health centre started under the leadership of His Royal Highness, Chief Richard Seibe, 1995–1998, who is currently the King of Okordia Clan,” he said.

He commended the efforts of previous leaders in ensuring the proper functioning and upgrade of the centre to a cottage hospital.

He also expressed gratitude that, during his reign, the facility received renovations and became fully operational.