NGO launches free surgery for cataract patients

Dr. Penzin assured that eye operations  would  be carried out by qualified ophthalmologists.

The Sight Savers, an NGO, in conjunction with Kogi State government has begun free surgery for over 100 people who have eye problems troubled with sight in Kogi west with a hope to replicate same in Ankpa in Kogi East.

This project was kicked off by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Haruna Saka.

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The commissioner emphasised the importance of eyes as the light of the body and an integral part of human existence which deserves  attention.

The Global Technical Need Eye Health officer, Dr. Ibrahim Nazara,  warned  that a recent report on prevalence of blindness, globally, has further strengthened the urgent need to take care of the eyes.

He said that the programme has mapped out the vulnerable rural dwellers with little or no exposure to facilities and lack of finance to benefit.

Speaking to journalists at Kabba General Hospital, the Project Manager, Dr. Sleven Penzin said that Kabba was marked for the beginning of the programme.

Acknowledging the expanse nature of the state however, Dr. Penzin said that the eye Care will place premium on Kabba in the West and Ankpa in the east with a staggering number of cataract patients that need eye surgery in each of the local governments.

Dr. Penzin assured that eye operations  would  be carried out by qualified ophthalmologists.

Beneficiaries at the Kabba General Hospital, including Pastor Omirin Samuel,  expressed their appreciation to the body for enabling them to regain their sights which they described as priceless.