News
Uzodinma flags-off free drugs distribution in Imo communities
Austin Okoro
Governor Hope Uzodinma has on January 17th 2025 flagged off monthly free drugs distribution in oil bearing communities in Imo state.
This is to improve the health and well-being of the oil-producing communities in OhajiEgbema, Oguta and Oru East LGAs of Imo State,
According to a press release of 17th January 2025, by the Spokesperson of the commission, Maduba Chukwudi, it states as follows:
“That the initiative emanated from the Imo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ISOPADEC), and aimed at providing essential medications to healthcare centers in communities directly impacted by oil production.
The flag-off held in Assa, Awarra/Ikwerede, Obile, Obitti, Umuagwo, and Mgbirichi, was spearheaded by the Acting Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Princess Ijeoma Joy Ikegwuruka, who was accompanied by the Commission’s medical team and top Management Staff.
Princess Ikegwuruka, while addressing the residents of the various communities, reaffirmed Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services in oil-producing areas, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to ensuring the welfare of these communities.
She further assured the people of Imo State that the 3R (Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery) mantra under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership is centered on tackling the challenges faced by these communities, with a focus on health, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
The essential drugs distributed to the community health centers include:
1. Antihypertensives
2. Antibiotics
3. Analgesics
4. Intravenous infusions
5. Anti-inflammatory drugs
6. Anti-emetics
7. Antacids
8. Blood capsules
9. Paracetamol
10. Multivitamins
11. Oral hypoglycemics
12. Oral Rehydration Serum (ORS)
13. Anticonvulsants
14. Dexter water, Dextrose saline, Ringers lactate, etc.
15. Topical analgesics
16. Multivitamins
17. Blood tonics/syrup
18. Antimalarials (for adults and children)
19. Metronidazole tablets
20. Ciprofloxacin tablets”, Maduba stated.
According to him, Princess Ikegwuruka also cautioned health workers, particularly matrons, against selling the distributed drugs and urged them to ensure proper handling and use of the medications.
She appealed to the community leaders to take responsibility for securing the drug supplies within their localities to ensure they are used for their intended purpose.
“In response to this generous gesture from the Governor, the President General of Assa, Prince Reward, expressed profound gratitude, commending Governor Uzodimma for his sustained efforts to improve the lives of the oil-producing communities through the work of ISOPADEC.
He pledged continued support to the Governor and the administration.
Additionally, the President General of Obile Autonomous Community, Mr. Kingsley Omuruka, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Governor for appointing the first female Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Princess Ikegwuruka, whom he described as their sister and mother from Ohaji.
He also praised the Governor for initiating the historic free drugs distribution program in Ohaji, marking a first in the history of ISOPADEC.
The medical team from ISOPADEC, led by the Head of the Medical Department, Dr. Kelechi Muforo, also expressed appreciation to the communities for their cooperation during the distribution.
Dr. Muforo assured the people of the Commission’s continued support in implementing government initiatives designed to promote development and growth in the oil-producing areas.
“The monthly distribution of free drugs is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support oil-producing communities, whose residents often face health challenges exacerbated by environmental and economic factors.
Governor Uzodimma reiterated that the welfare of these communities remains a priority and that the government will continue to pursue initiatives that improve the living conditions of the people”, the statement reads.
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