The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture (JV) OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) has kicked off a large-scale medical outreach in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, targeting over 4,500 residents across 15 host communities in the OML 17 operational area. The free health intervention is part of efforts to bridge gaps in access to quality healthcare within oil-producing communities.
The initiative, which was flagged off this week, covers Umuechem, Igwuruta, Mgbodo-Alu, Eneka, Rumukurishi, Oyigbo, Iriebe, Umuebulu, Umuokwa, Odagwa, Egwi, Elelewon, Ozuoba, and Rumuigbo. It will provide beneficiaries with free medical consultations, dental and eye care, surgical services, wellness counselling, and general health education.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, King Samuel Amaechi, traditional ruler and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the HCDT, described health as a crucial pillar for sustainable development. He said the outreach reflects the Trust’s dedication to community development and improving the well-being of the people within its coverage areas.
“This medical outreach is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the well-being of our people,” King Amaechi said. “We recognise that no community can thrive without access to basic healthcare. Through this initiative, the HCDT is not only meeting immediate health needs but also reaffirming its role as a responsive and compassionate development institution.”
He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Heirs Energies for their partnership in making the outreach a reality.
The OML 17 outreach programme is in line with the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates oil and gas companies to establish and fund Host Communities Development Trusts to drive impactful development projects. This initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
According to the statement released to the press, the outreach is structured to tackle both urgent and preventive healthcare needs, bringing critical services directly to underserved communities in the oil-rich region. Medical teams made up of doctors, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists, dentists, and surgeons were mobilised across the 15 centres, where residents are being attended to free of charge.
For many of the beneficiaries, especially those in remote areas like Umuokwa and Egwi, the outreach represents one of the few opportunities to access specialist care without having to travel far or pay out of pocket.
The programme is also designed to increase awareness about preventive health measures and empower communities with knowledge to reduce the burden of preventable diseases. As part of the outreach, wellness counselling and public health education sessions are being held alongside clinical care to ensure a holistic approach.
Observers say the medical outreach is part of a growing trend among oil firms operating in the Niger Delta to invest more in social welfare projects that have direct and measurable impact on host communities.
Heirs Energies, led by Nigerian entrepreneur Tony Elumelu, has continued to promote a people-first approach to oil and gas operations through local content, employment, and social development investments, particularly around the OML 17 asset which it took over in 2021.
As of the time of reporting, the outreach is ongoing with hundreds of patients already attended to across the participating communities. Organisers say they are confident that the initiative will significantly improve health outcomes for many and strengthen community trust in the JV’s long-term development agenda.
