The Kwara Government has funded free eye surgeries for 450 patients across the 16 local government area of the state.
Dr Abubakar Ayinla, the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Health, disclosed this at the sidelines of the surgery held at the Civil Service Clinic in Ilorin.
He explained that 250 beneficiaries would benefit in the free surgery on Friday.
He stated that in addition to the surgery, about 1000 glasses were also distributed.
“We are here to celebrate with the beneficiaries of free cataract surgeries sponsored by Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“You will recall that in November 2020, we did a statewide tour and at least 15 cases were operated in each of the 16 local government areas. We did some cases in excess and about 200 cases were operated,” he said.
Ayinla explained that after analysis, there were some gaps that showed some who could not benefit from the previous exercise.
“The second one which we are rounding up today was also scheduled over six weeks in specific local governments and regions of the three senatorial districts.
“So, we have gone to Kwara North where we took four hospitals in each of the four local governments.
“For Kwara South, we went to Omu-Aran last week and for Kwara Central, we started surgeries on Thursday, here at the Civil Service Hospital Ilorin; 50 patients also benefitted yesterday and all put together, we have 250 beneficiaries,” he said.
Ayinla added that the surgical interventions have restored sight to some people and improved their productivity and contributions to the society.
Mr Rasak Owolabi, the Chairman Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Health, said the present administration is investing heavily in the health sector.
He commended the Gov. AbdulRazaq for prioritising the sector and revamping the health sector in the state.
Dr Mohammed Solagberu, the Coordinator of the Kwara Eye Care Outreach, said the state was committed to treating eyes cases from the state and beyond with less bureaucracy.
“Among the five sense organs of the body, eyes are very important and when somebody is blind you have not only taken that person out of productivity, you are taking a lot of people out of productivity.
“Somebody who is blind cannot do many things on his or her own. He becomes dependent. This could take some children out of school,” he said.
Alhaji Saka Dagbo, one of the beneficiaries, commended the state government for the sponsorship adding that the surgical intervention is without any political considerations.
“This is probably not the first time such programmes will be organised in Kwara state. But this is the first time such will be organised without political or other considerations,” Dagbo said.
(NAN)
