NDDC debunks Ondo commissioner’s claim on health programme

Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, yesterday, said though the Commission has a robust and vigorous healthcare programme which has seen more than one million Niger Deltans receive free medical care over the years, the recent programme that brought Indian doctors to Igbokoda, Ondo State, was a private enterprise and did not have the approval of the Board of the Commission as published in a national daily (not Vanguard).

In a statement the Commi-ssion said: “We commend the Ondo State representa-tive on the Governing Board of the Commission, Rev. Benson Enikuomehin, on this important step taken to bring better healthcare to his community. However, it is pertinent for the Commission to respond to and clarify certain statements credited to Rev. Enikuomehin.

“While we laud the Ondo State Commissioner for the foresight to invite and take doctors from India to his community, it is important to state that this was entirely a private initiative and did not have the approval of the Board of the Commission.

“It is also important to categorically state that it is not true ‘that any patient diagnosed with severe ailments would be flown abroad on the bill of the Commission,’ as the Commissioner was quoted as saying.”