Pregnant women in Ughelli and surrounding communities have received a boost in maternal healthcare following the official launch of a one-month free antenatal and delivery programme at the Okemezi Memorial Hospital.
The initiative, sponsored by the Chris & Stella Foundation, was flagged off on Monday by the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, who was represented at the ceremony by Dr. Onoriode Umolo, Zonal Medical Director of the Central Hospital, Ughelli.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Umolo described the programme as a timely intervention that complements the state government’s healthcare drive under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “Renewed Hope for More” agenda, which prioritises improved access to medical services, especially for pregnant women.
She noted that the establishment of the Okemezi Memorial Hospital adds value to healthcare delivery in the Ughelli metropolis and should be seen as a partner, not a competitor, to existing public facilities.
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“This facility will support and strengthen healthcare services in Ughelli. It is not a threat to Central Hospital but a welcome development that opens room for collaboration and referral where necessary,” she said.
The commissioner further called on medical professionals across the state to emulate the philanthropic example set by the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Chris Oharisi, by investing in initiatives that ease the burden on vulnerable groups.
In his address, Dr. Oharisi explained that the free antenatal and delivery programme was borne out of a personal commitment to give back to society.
“God has blessed me with what you see here, and I believe it is important to extend those blessings to humanity,” he said, adding that the hospital’s fees would remain comparable to those of government-owned facilities.
“If you can afford services at a general hospital, you can also come here because our charges are structured in line with public hospital rates,” he assured.
The highlight of the flag-off ceremony was the distribution of routine antenatal medications and insecticide-treated mosquito nets to over 200 pregnant women to help safeguard them and their unborn babies against malaria.
The one-month programme is expected to provide free antenatal care and delivery services to hundreds of women, reinforcing ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Delta State.
