380 cataract patients and other eye related challenges have been scheduled to benefit from free sight recovery surgery while 2000 others are to receive free medications from the Qatar Charity Nigeria in collaboration with the Niger state government.
The Niger State Commissioner of Health Dr Murtala Bagana stated this Tuesday at the opening of free eye care camp in Minna.
According to him, “Over 2,300 people were screened, about 700 beneficiaries received prescription eyeglasses, more than 2,000 patients were treated with appropriate medications, while over 380 cataract patients were identified and scheduled for sight-restoring surgeries”.
Bagana said that the official flag-off of the Free Eye Care Camp, is a life-changing healthcare intervention organized by the Niger State Government through the Ministry of Health in partnership with Qatar Charity Nigeria and the Middle East Clinic, Kano.
“Blindness remains one of the leading causes of disability, with profound social and economic consequences for individuals, families, and communities. In our environment, cataract remains the commonest cause of avoidable blindness, particularly among rural dwellers and vulnerable populations with limited financial means. Restoring sight to these citizens not only transforms lives but also restores dignity, independence, and economic productivity”‘ he explained.
He explained that under the visionary leadership of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, healthcare remains a cardinal pillar of the New Niger Agenda, adding that, “his administration is committed to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable for every resident of the State”.
He added that although eye care services are available in major hospitals in the state, poverty, distance, and limited access has continue to prevent many citizens from receiving timely treatment.
“It is against this backdrop that the Niger State Government, in collaboration with our esteemed partners, adopted this outreach model to bring quality eye care directly to the people, particularly those in underserved communities. This Free Eye Care Camp provided free eye examinations, prescription eyeglasses, free cataract surgeries, and treatment for other eye diseases through a team of highly experienced eye care specialists.”, he said, adding that to ensure wider access, the exercise was successfully conducted across five strategic centres in Niger State.
He explained that while Qatar Charity Nigeria and the Middle East Clinic, Kano provided the technical expertise, surgical consumables, medicines, and eyeglasses, the Niger State Government facilitated security, accommodation for the visiting medical team, transportation, power supply, media mobilization, and overall coordination of the programme.