The NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture recently donated a mobile X-ray machine to Igbokoda General Hospital in Ondo State. This is yet another significant contribution to medicare in Nigeria by the Joint Venture. The donation took place in Igbokoda General Hospital’s complex, in Ondo State.

Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) represented by Charles Egbuedo, Community Engagement Coordinator, said the donation was in line with the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture’s ‘Tradition of Care,’ which includes a robust health programme in the pursuit of its Social Investment obligations. “The company views healthcare as a crucial social service that needs inclusive support,” he said adding that he expects the donated   X-ray unit for the Igbokoda General Hospital to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of Tuberculosis especially among children, and help reduce the risk of TB in the state while also eliminating hazards of spreading and co-infection, which could increase risks or result in death of inhabitants.

Brikinn expatiated that the JV has also implemented other projects in Ondo state in the areas of education and health. “These include deworming and Roll Back Malaria campaigns, HIV/AIDS enlightenment campaign as well as drug donation. “We are proud to be partners in progress with Ondo State Government,” he said.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, represented by Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Oil and Gas thanked the NNPC/CNL   Joint Venture for the donation of the x-ray unit. He said it is the only modern x-ray machine in any government hospital in the whole Ondo South Senatorial District. “This type of machine is only available in a few places. This is a rare privilege which we must not abuse and when this is well used, it will encourage Chevron,” he said.

The hospital Radiographer, Mrs. Okoli showing off the machine

He informed the gathering that the donation came during a time of scarce resources within Government and would aid the hospital in the delivery of quality health care services to the people. He charged the Hospital Management to make good use of the equipment and ensure that her staff are trained on how best to use and preserve the equipment.

Dr Babatunde Onakoya, Medical Director, Igbokoda General Hospital, appreciated the NNPC/CNL JV for the donation adding that the donation was a very timely one since the hospital had been sending patients to very far places for X-ray services because of the non-availability of the equipment. “The provision of new access road is causing more accidents which is overwhelming our Accident and Emergency Unit. Before now, this general hospital serving over 300,000 Ilaje people has been sending patients to Ondo Town and other places for X-ray.” He explained.

The Director, Hospital Services Management Board, Dr. (Mrs.) Aragbaye and Dr. Dr. Taiye Oni, Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, thanked the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture for the donation promising that the hospital would put the equipment to very good use in managing patients’ cases in the hospital.