Daniel Atori & Mairo Allawa
As part of efforts to combat avoidable blindness and promote vision health across the state, the State Government has disclosed that it will conduct free surgical treatment on over two hundred patients.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr Murtala Bagana while speaking during a Press briefing to commemorate this year’s World Sight Day, emphasized that sight is a critical component of human productivity, dignified living, and community well-being.
He stressed that the initiative, organized under the Niger State Eye Health Program in partnership with key healthcare stakeholders including the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Ophthalmic Nurses Association of Nigeria (NONA), and HANDS—officially commenced over the weekend.
The outreach he said aligns with this year’s global theme, “Love Your Eyes,” and sub-theme, “Protect Your Eyes, See Clearly and Live Fully”.
According to him “as part of efforts to eliminate financial barriers preventing citizens from seeking timely medical assistance, the Niger State Government is offering services free of charges and we will provide over 200 free reading glasses, free eye care counselling and guidance on proper eye care and hygiene to protect their vision.
“The group will conduct free Cataract Surgeries to be Performed on numerous beneficiaries so as to restore their vision and improve overall quality of life.
“They will also conduct comprehensive Eye Screenings, detect eye disorders early and initiate treatments for timely interventions.”
He added that the team will also carry out non-Surgical Treatments and do Referrals to Specialists and consultations both within and outside the state for complex conditions.
Some of the items to be distributed include: 200 pairs of free reading glasses and targeting the elderly and individuals suffering from various errors.
Dr. Bagana then disclosed that the campaign builds upon previous healthcare interventions by the state administration, including a joint initiative with the Qatar Government that has successfully delivered over 300 free cataract surgeries.
Accordingly, he said, “earlier we had provided more than 1,000 eyeglasses, and distributed walking aids to visually impaired individuals.”
Speaking also, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abdullahi Imam, and the Chairperson, Niger state Eye Health Program, Dr. Halima Umar urged members of the public not to wait until sight loss becomes irreversible before seeking care.
Accordingly they encouraged Residents experiencing persistent eye discomfort, itching, tearing, or blurred vision are to visit the General Hospital, Minna, during the program hours to access free medical care.
“When people lose their sights it affects far more than the individual. It affects families and relatives and indeed the society”, the said.
