OREOROKPE, Delta State — Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has extended healthcare access to underserved communities through a free medical outreach that benefited hundreds of residents in Oreorokpe, headquarters of Okpe Local Government Area.
The intervention, held over the weekend, provided free consultations, diagnostic services, medications, and corrective eyeglasses to indigent residents from Okpe and surrounding communities. Healthcare professionals screened and treated patients for ailments ranging from malaria and hypertension to eye conditions and minor infections.
Speaking through his Okpe Local Government Liaison Officer, Mr. Yegbeburu, Senator Dafinone said the outreach was designed to bridge the healthcare gap for residents constrained by poverty or distance from medical facilities.
"This initiative is about bringing quality healthcare to the doorstep of those who need it most," the statement read. "Many of our people face difficult choices between basic needs and medical care. We are committed to changing that narrative."
The Okpe outreach is the first in a series of four planned medical interventions across strategically selected towns in Delta Central Senatorial District. According to the Senator's office, the broader health strategy also includes the construction, renovation, and equipping of primary healthcare centres in various communities.
"We specifically target vulnerable populations who are often excluded from quality healthcare due to rising medical costs and limited access to functional facilities," the statement added.
Medical services were delivered by a team of healthcare professionals led by Mr. Matthew Uruejoma, who coordinated patient registration, diagnosis, treatment, and medication distribution.
Key stakeholders at the event commended the initiative. Mr. Henry Esiri, Coordinator of the Medical Outreach, described the programme as "timely and impactful," while Mr. Ovie Esievo, Supervisor at the Border Community Development Agency, noted its potential to reduce long-term health burdens in border communities.
"Many beneficiaries have not accessed proper medical attention in months or even years due to cost," Esiri said. "This outreach is making a real difference."
Residents who benefited from the outreach expressed appreciation for the intervention. "I've been having headaches and blurred vision for a long time, but I couldn't afford to see a doctor or buy glasses," said Mrs. Efe Omoro, a trader from Oreorokpe. "Today, I received treatment and free eyeglasses. I'm grateful to Senator Dafinone."
Several attendees pledged continued support for the Senator, citing his visible commitment to grassroots development and responsiveness to community needs.
Reaffirming his legislative mandate, Senator Dafinone stated: "I remain committed to providing qualitative and result-oriented representation at the Red Chamber while ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach our people."
With three additional towns scheduled to host similar medical interventions in the coming weeks, the Delta Central Senatorial District is witnessing a coordinated push toward equitable healthcare access—a development stakeholders say could significantly improve public health outcomes across the region.
