Delta State Government has deployed a multidisciplinary medical team to Odidi Federated Communities in Warri South-West Local Council to provide free healthcare to residents affected by the recent oil spill along the Trans-Forcados Pipeline.

The intervention, directed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, aims to address residents’ immediate medical needs and mitigate potential health concerns arising from the pollution.

The outreach includes free surgical operations, eye examinations, dental care, laboratory investigations and outpatient services.

Leading the team, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said the exercise would bring essential medical services closer to affected residents and prevent untreated illnesses from worsening their difficulties.

He commended the communities for maintaining peace since the incident and urged residents to take advantage of the outreach by presenting themselves for medical examinations and treatment.

Onojaeme stressed that all drugs, mosquito nets and treatments provided were free, urging residents not to allow financial constraints to prevent them from accessing care.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing quality, affordable healthcare to residents of oil-producing communities and other parts of Delta, noting that it had continued to invest in constructing and renovating primary healthcare facilities.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Mr Faith Mamamu described the intervention as timely, noting that the oil spill had disrupted economic activities, particularly fishing.

He said the swift response demonstrated the governor’s concern for residents’ welfare as they grappled with the consequences of the environmental incident.

Some beneficiaries said the free services had eased the financial burden of medical consultations, investigations and medications. They urged the government to sustain its support and address other pressing needs arising from the spill.