In a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) and its joint venture partners have breathed new life into the government-owned Edagberi Cottage Hospital, situated in Ahoada West Local Government area of Rivers State.
The 20-bed hospital, which suffered devastating flood damage in 2012, had remained unused until the NNPC/SPDC/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture intervened with a multi-million-naira renovation, leading to its recent reopening on July 27.
The revitalization of the hospital marks a significant milestone in healthcare delivery for the Edagberi community and its surroundings.
Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, the Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, praised the critical role played by SPDC and its partners, particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in restoring the facility.
The commissioner, represented at the reopening ceremonies by Dr. Bright Ogbonda, the Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State Health Management Board, expressed gratitude to the joint venture for supporting the government in rejuvenating the hospital.
Dr. Akin Fajola, SPDC’s Community Health Manager, highlighted the successful outcome of the revamp project, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the state government, community leadership, and the joint venture partners.
He urged for stronger ties between the community and SPDC, fostering a peaceful environment conducive to the implementation of social investment initiatives.
In a goodwill message conveyed at the reopening ceremonies, Igo Weli, SPDC’s Director and Country Head of Corporate Relations, advocated for a sustainability system, whereby the hospital management board and the community work together to ensure the facility’s continuous availability to serve the people.
Weli, represented by Evans Krukrubo, the Corporate Relations Manager, stressed that the hospital’s maintenance culture must be upheld to keep it in excellent service shape.
The comprehensive renovation of Edagberi Cottage Hospital included the establishment of a standard laboratory, a blood bank, a diagnostics center, a fully-equipped maternity ward, a well-furnished theater, and an emergency room featuring a suction machine and an automated external defibrillator (AED).
To further support the hospital’s operations, SPDC also provided an ambulance and staff accommodation.
The reopening ceremonies also featured a medical outreach program that extended aid to over 800 individuals.
The outreach encompassed surgical services, general consultation and treatment, pharmaceutical services, laboratory services, blood transfusion facilities, emergency services, handling of minor procedures, and immunization services.
