The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group, on Thursday, unveiled a state-of-the-art COVID-19 molecular laboratory centre in Warri, Delta State.
They called on all groups responsible for carrying out health care services in the host communities of the Niger Delta region to ensure adequate patronage of the facility for the diagnostic testing needs of patients.
The Managing Director of the NPDC, Ali Muhamma Zarah, stated at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the Shell Housing Estate, in Ogunu, Warri, that “the facility has been adequately equipped to provide COVID-19 and blood testing services to the operational bases, hospitals, HMOs, corporations, and individuals within Delta State and beyond.”
Also, the Chief Executive Officer, ND Western, explained that the NPDC was “not only passionate about oil and gas, but we are also committed to the health and well being of every individual” in view of the general notion that ‘Health is Wealth’.
The PUNCH gathered that Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories provided research platforms utilising special equipment in the facility, particularly, to assist doctors in making decisions on diagnosis, treatment, and examination methods by providing an array of information.
The NPDC Managing Director who was represented at the occasion by the Executive Director, Assets Management, Dr. Ismail Mohammed, noted that the company had no doubt that the new Laboratory would extend the range of available information to physicians and other professionals in the Niger Delta region.
He said, “The modernized laboratory equipment provided in this facility will enable this clinic to obtain more accurate data and enhance the skills of the personnel. This will also help in establishing the effectiveness of the clinic by providing credible analytical capability that will save the lives of many in our host communities and others.
“For this, we applaud the NPDC/ND Western JV and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group for this strategic initiative that will improve the access to quality diagnostic, timely and accurate treatment to patients.
“This vision aligns with NNPC’s vision under the Dynamic Leadership of the Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, and his Management Team. Most significantly, this initiative will help in cultivating a reliable, strong partnership between our Joint Venture Partners and other important stakeholders, like the IPPG. NNPC and indeed, NPDC/ND Western JV will always support such initiatives to contribute to the development of the country’s laboratory service.
“As part of the nation’s efforts aimed at bringing health care to our people, especially in combating COVID-19 pandemic amongst other deadly diseases, the NPDC and ND Western OML 34 JV, in collaboration with the IPPG, formed an alliance to set up this laboratory, “Delta Plus”.
“The facility has been adequately equipped to provide Covid-19 and blood testing services to our operational bases, hospitals, HMOs, Corporations, and individuals within Delta State and beyond.”
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the IPPG, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, explained that the group was proud to be associated with the Delta Plus project which, according to him, is primed to provide the most advanced technology in COVID-19 and other infections diseases testing services.
Isa commended the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation NNPC under the leadership of the Group Managing Director, Mall Mele Kyari for championing the industry-wide intervention considered in the Second and Third Quarters of 2020 being the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
“What we are doing today is an excellent continuation of that initiative”, he said.
He also acknowledged the initiatives of the NPDC and ND Westem Limited (OMI 34 V) for the establishment of this world-class and fully equipped diagnostic laboratory.
“You will recall that by Q1 2020 when COVID-19 was formally declared a pandemic by the United Nations, global energy as well as economy, were already on a rapid decline. Nigeria was not immune to this, necessitating a strong response from the government in combating the pandemic with widespread support from the private sector.
“Consequently, as the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, the oil and gas industry, under the leadership of the NNPC, assumed instant responsibility for supporting the Government and the people of Nigeria. Specifically, NNPC canvassed for a concerted and coordinated effort from the industry which culminated in the $40 million industry-wide intervention.
“IPPG actively supported this initiative by donating medical consumables and in-patient support systems such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). COVID-19 Test-kits, well-equipped Ambulances, Premium ventilators, and Intensive Care Unit Beds; executing a grassroots-focused sensitisation campaign nationwide to support the national effort of mitigating the impact and curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria at the height of the pandemic in 2020.
“In addition, IPPG members have also made significant donations across states and communities where they operate,” he said.
He used the opportunity to, once again, commend the IPPG members for positively responding to the clarion call and stepping up to support the government’s response during a very challenging period for our dear nation.
Earlier in a welcome address, the CEO, ND Western, explained that the Delta Plus Diagnostics was “designed to provide the most convenient, reliable, friendliest COVID-19 testing processes and medical laboratory services to hospitals, health management organisations, and individuals in Delta State and other neighboring states.”
He spoke further, “The Diagnostic Centre is also equipped to support the medical research community in the South-South and the neighboring states as well as reduce the need to travel long distances to access critical diagnostic services which the facility provides With the global health challenges we face today, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed millions of lives all over the world.
“It is pertinent to state that, at ND Western, we do not shy away from these challenges, we recognise these challenges, and proffer solutions through collaborative efforts with partners that share our drive as we like to excel at everything we are involved in.
“The services provided by the laboratory will include COVID-19 PCR Test, Tumor markers/Cancer Screening Test HIV Detection, HIV Viral Load, HBV Detection, HPV Detection, STD Panel, Respiratory Panel, Hepatitis B Test Tuberculosis, Oncology, Stem cell Research, Diabetes Screening SNP Genotype and many more.
“As such, we would be delighted to collaborate further with all relevant stakeholders to make sure that Delta Plus Diagnostics laboratory is utilized optimally many years from now.
“We are not only passionate about oil and gas, but we are also committed to the health and well-being of every individual. And like the proverbial phrase says, ‘health is wealth.”
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