NAN-HG-2
Treatment
Shuaibu Tatu/Yusuf Awalu
Birnin Kebbi,Oct. 9, 2016 (NAN) A Saudi Arabian-based NGO called Al-basar International Foundation has commenced free eye surgery
on patients suffering from different eye diseases in Kebbi.
The Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Health, Dr Muhammad Kende, who addressed hundreds of patients at the premises of the
state-owned Hafsat Eye Centre in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, said the exercise was in collaboration with the state government.
He said the state government targeted 5,000 patients for the treatment.
Kende added that the NGO was based in Saudi Arabia but has branches in some Nigerian states including Kano and Lagos states.
He said that treatment was free as the Foundation and the ministry had arranged accommodation and other necessary logistics for patients, stressing that the ministry had engaged in aggressive enlightenment and mobilisation of patients for the free treatment.
He noted that “we would not allow our people to miss this golden opportunity.
“Traditional and religious leaders have also been actively involved in the campaigned, which cut across the 21 local government areas of the
state, and neighbouring states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger.
“We use radio and television for the enlightenment, as patients from neighbouring countries of Niger and Benin Republics are also here to benefit
as no valid identification or insurance cover is required for the treatment.”
One of patients, Malam Ibrahim Dogo, who hailed from Zuru Local Government Area of the state commended the state government for the initiative and called on people suffering from eye diseases to avail themselves of the opportunity.
Hajiya Kulu Musa, who was suffering from glaucoma, also commended the state government and the Saudi Arabian organisation and prayed that God would reward them abundantly.
Meanwhile, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent observed that food and clothes were distributed to the patients to make them
comfortable for the treatment. (NAN)
SZT/BKD/HA
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(Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)