Diri Directs Free Quarterly Health Checks in Bayelsa Government Hospitals
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has directed the state Ministry of Health to commence free quarterly medical check-ups for residents across the eight local government areas of the state.
The initiative, according to the governor, is aimed at improving access to healthcare, particularly for residents who cannot afford the cost of routine medical examinations.
Governor Diri gave the directive on Sunday at St. John’s Anglican Church, Olobiri, Kaiama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, during a special thanksgiving service in honour of the Ebedaowei of Kolokuma Kingdom, King Mozi Agara.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure that the exercise is conducted every three months across government secondary healthcare facilities in the state.
He said the initiative would enable residents to monitor their health conditions and access early medical intervention where necessary.
“I hereby direct the Honourable Commissioner for Health to commence a free health check across Bayelsa State, in all our secondary healthcare facilities across our different local government areas. This is particularly for those who are unable to afford it,” he said.
“Every quarter, the ministry should have a register of those whose health has been checked, whether for high blood pressure, high blood sugar or any other ailment, including cancer, which is becoming prevalent.
“As a government, we cannot be silent on the issue of cancer. We cannot close our eyes as if we are not seeing what it is doing to our people.”
Governor Diri urged residents to take advantage of the initiative by visiting the nearest government secondary healthcare facility for medical examinations.
He added that the Commissioner for Health would provide further details and announcements on the commencement and implementation of the exercise.
The governor also expressed gratitude to God for the recovery of the Kolokuma monarch from a recent health condition, urging the people of the state to cultivate the habit of honouring their leaders.
Describing traditional rulers as custodians of peace and order, Diri said they played critical roles in resolving disputes within their communities, including family-related disagreements.
He maintained that traditional rulers deserved greater recognition and involvement in governance, given their contributions to maintaining peace and stability at the grassroots.
At the event, the governor also directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to submit for approval a proposal for the rehabilitation of deteriorated sections of the road from the Kaiama Bridge.
Diri explained that he personally inspected projects across the state to obtain first-hand information about their condition and progress rather than relying exclusively on official reports.
In his sermon titled “The Supremacy of God,” the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Izon, Rt. Rev. Funkuro Amgbare, described God as supreme, whose authority could not be overridden.
The bishop said the existence of a worship centre in Olobiri demonstrated God's supremacy and described the community as having been liberated from the power of darkness.
Recounting the monarch's recent health challenge, Amgbare said he had prayed for King Agara's recovery after being informed of his illness, adding that the king's recovery was an answer to his prayers.
Among dignitaries present at the service were the governor's wife, Dr. Gloria Diri; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi; members of the House of Representatives representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma and Southern Ijaw federal constituencies, Oforji Oboku and Rodney Ambaiowei; the Bayelsa State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Warman Ogoriba; and the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo.
Other top government officials and community leaders also attended the thanksgiving service.
