By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Federal government has inaugurated a 14-member Technical Planning Committee for the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital (OSH), in ogoni land, reaffirming the government ‘s commitment and dedication towards promoting public health under a key intervention under Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
While inaugurating the committee, HYPREP’s Project Coordinator Professor Nenibarini Zabbey,said the Committee marks a significant step towards operationalization of the hospital within the scheduled timeline.
He said:“ The committee is given four-month timeline to produce actionable recommendations that will ensure the hospital meets the health needs of the Ogoni people while will contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s public health sector”.
Prof. Zabbey highlighted that the construction of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the Buan Hospital are integral parts of HYPREP’s health aims at addressing long-standing health challenges in Ogoniland.
He noted that: “These projects, reflect federal government’s resolve to fully implement the recommendations of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report.
“This committee has been strategically setup with multidisciplinary professionals to guide the operationalisation and long-term sustainability of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital.
“They are to ensure that all plans align with national healthcare standards, policies, and regulatory frameworks”.
He added that “they are also tasked with developing a comprehensive roadmap for the hospital’s operations, including an efficient management and governance structure to position the facility as a model for both national and international best practices in public health service delivery”.
The Project Coordinator also called for sustained stakeholder support for HYPREP.
He said the project’s alignment with the President’s directive and the vision of the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of the HYPREP Governing Council.
Responding, Chairperson of the Committee, Professor Christie N. Mato, applauded HYPREP for the initiative and pledged the Committee’s commitment to delivering on its mandate.
She described the hospital as a “beacon of hope” for the Ogoni people”.
“The report will then be reviewed and forwarded to the Governing Council for consideration and approval. Currently at 76% completion.
“The Ogoni Specialist Hospital is designed to house several specialized units, including Oncology, Ophthalmology, Dental, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Emergency services”, she stated .
The Committee is expected to submit its final report, including detailed findings and recommendations, to HYPREP management.
