The Dodo River Central Hospital in Amatu II community, Ekeremor LGA, Bayelsa State has commenced operations following an official commissioning of the hospital by His Royal Majesty, King Joel E. Ibane (JP) Ogiobo IX, the Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom on 3rd December, 2013.
The hospital is a dividend of the partnership between the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, Bayelsa State government and the Dodo River Rural Development Association (DRDA). The strategic location of the hospital will save Amatu 11 community members and other communities in the environs such as Ezetu I & II, Bilabiri I & II, Gbisagbene, Letogbene, Amazo, Agga, Ogbotobo, Orobiri, Ogbentu, Azamabiri, Ibegbene, Ajoolayo and Lagos-Ama the burden and cost of travelling to the city for health care services. It should be noted that in times past many patients and expectant mothers have gone through untold ordeals, some even died while trying to get to the city for medical assistance.
However, with the commissioning and operationalization of the hospital, the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, DRDA and the Bayelsa State government has once again shown their commitment to improving the quality of life for the thousands of people living in the riverine communities.
The hospital is fully-staffed with medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientist, pharmacists, records and clerical officers. It also has over 45 bed spaces, male and female wards, doctors consulting rooms, a pharmacy and full complement of drugs, standard theatre, oxygen consecrator and other medical equipment. The hospital also has quarters for nurses’ and doctors working in the hospital and a 43KVA generator to provide steady power.
The community members at the ceremony were jubilant and full of praises for the GMoU process, the DRDA and the Bayelsa State government for the timely intervention. Commenting on the hospital, His Royal Majesty, King Joel E. Ibane (JP), said “this is something wonderful…..more than wonderful”