By Kabir Dan-Katsina, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the Saudi-based World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) and the Nasara Foundation of the wife of the state Governor, has commenced a five-day medical outreach programme targeting 5,000 beneficiaries for free surgeries, treatments and eye glasses to all 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking after inspecting the exercise at the Medical Center, Kalgo, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Isma’il Augie, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far, describing the initiative as a special outreach designed to deliver meaningful support to thousands.
He explained that the outreach was targeting 1,000 surgeries, treat 3,000 patients for various eye conditions and distribute 1,000 eye glasses, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 5,000.
He commended Governor Nasir Idris and Her Excellency, Hajiya Zainab-Nasare Nasir Idris, for partnering with WAMY to make the programme a reality.
The Commissioner added that the state government had shouldered 50 per cent of the cost of the entire exercise in order to compliment the efforts of the foreign medical team, revealing that all patients being treated during the programme would be provided with three square meals daily throughout the duration of the outreach, to ameliorate their difficulties.
In his remarks, the Country Director of WAMY and leader of the delegation, Dr. Hisham Muhammad, who noted that WAMY was operating as an NGO under the United Nations, also expressed satisfaction with the turnout, disclosing that on Sunday alone, the team attended to over 500 patients, conducted 54 surgeries, issued 100 glasses and supplied medication to 336 patients.
Dr. Muhammad added that their overall target was to carry out 1,000 surgeries, issue 600 glasses and provide medication to more than 2,000 patients before the outreach is concluded.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Engr. Imam Imran Usman, commended Governor Nasir Idris for his foresight in supporting the initiative, describing the gesture as one that would remain memorable to the beneficiaries for years to come.
He urged residents with eye-related problems to take advantage of the free services, noting that the government’s collaboration with WAMY aims to bring relief to citizens in need of medical support.
A cross-section of patients expressed gratitude to Governor Idris, his wife’s Nasara Foundation and WAMY for offering them the opportunity to regain or improve their sights.
