Over 500 residents of Ibibio West communities, comprising six villages in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have benefited from a two-day free medical outreach organised by SUMEDHA Energy Limited (SEL), formerly known as Natural Oilfield Services Limited (NOSL) in collaboration with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL).
The initiative, which targeted communities located along the company’s facility route and right of way, was a corporate social responsibility effort aimed at addressing the lack of healthcare facilities in the area.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of Etok Ediene Village Council, Chief Ubong Patrick, expressed deep appreciation to the companies for bringing essential healthcare services closer to the people. He noted that residents often travel long distances to the Local Government Headquarters for medical attention due to the absence of nearby facilities.
“We are grateful because this is the first time many of our people are receiving free medical care in their own community. Accessing healthcare usually means traveling very far,” he said.
Obonganwan Elizabeth Gabriel, a women leader in the community, described the outreach as timely and impactful. She emphasized that most families in the area cannot afford the high cost of proper medical care and appealed to the company to make the outreach a regular programme.
Mrs. Happiness Unyime, a nursing mother who received treatment alongside her two-month-old baby, commended the organizers for what she described as a “life-saving intervention.”
“This has taken a huge burden off my shoulders. I was able to get medication for myself and my baby without spending money I don’t have,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Chief Anthony Joseph, hailed the outreach as a blessing to the community, noting that it brought hope to people who have long lacked access to quality healthcare.
The Community Development Programme (CDP) Coordinator of SUMEDHA Energy Limited, Emem Thomas, said the initiative was informed by the high cost of medical services and the remote nature of the communities.
According to her, “The two-day camp has provided treatments that many families would otherwise not afford. If you look around, you will see elderly people, youths, children—even the clan head was here to receive care. At the end of the day, we estimate that between 400 to 500 people will benefit from this effort.”
The outreach, which featured general medical check-ups, drug distribution, and treatment of common ailments, underscores the company’s usual commitment to improving the well-being of its host communities.
With this intervention, SUMEDHA Energy Limited and NEPL have not only provided healthcare access where none existed, but they have also reaffirmed the vital role of corporate citizens in driving inclusive development at the grassroots.
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