By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

The Renaissance/NNPCL Joint Venture has donated a newly equipped Special Care Baby Unit(SCBU) to the Diete-Koki Memorial Hospital in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Speaking at the event on Thursday, Chief NNPC Upstream Investment Officer Mr Oluwaseyi Omotowa represented by Mrs, Uzor Ejidor, said the gesture aims to improve infant and maternal health in Bayelsa.

She expressed the commitment of the Joint Venture to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable new burns, noting that the SCBU will provide specialized medical intensive monitoring, and treatment, ensuring the highest standard of care for new borns.

She said: “As a responsible corporate citizen,NNPCL recognizes the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure and providing quality healthcare services, with this state of the art Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), will continue to deliver exceptional care to newborns and their families..”

She explained that the commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerians was critical, adding that every child deserves access to quality healthcare.

Also speaking the General Manager, Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Mr Igo Weli, represented by the Community Relations Manager, Mr Evans Krukrubor said the first few hours and days of a baby’s life are most delicate and the SCBU is crucial.

He said: “Babies born with low weight or with medical complications require intensive monitoring and advanced medical intervention, the absence of proper neonatal facilities have contributed to high rate of mortality across the country.

“But today, with the commissioning of this SCBU, we take a bold step forward in changing that narrative. This facility has now been equipped with Resuscitaire, Phototherapy machines, Oxygen Concentrators, Aspirator, Suction machine and baby cots.

“With this facility, more new borns will now have a fighting chance at life, ensuring that more families experience the joy of watching their children grow and thrive.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Wisdom Suoyo who represented the Commissioner of Health Prof Seiyefa Brisibe and received the facility on behalf of the state government, assured that the facility will be well utilized to the benefit of the people of the state.