The Niger State Government has launched a statewide free eye care programme aimed at restoring sight and expanding access to specialist eye treatment for vulnerable residents across the state.
The initiative, implemented through the state Ministry of Health in partnership with Qatar Charity Nigeria and Middle East Clinic, Kano, was officially flagged off at the Senator Dr Idris Ibrahim Kuta Memorial Primary Health Care Centre in Minna.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building an accessible, affordable and responsive healthcare system under the New Niger Agenda.
Garba described the intervention as a life-changing programme capable of transforming the lives of thousands suffering from avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
According to him, many residents, particularly those in underserved communities, continue to face challenges accessing specialist eye care services due to poverty and limited healthcare infrastructure.
He explained that the programme will provide free eye examinations, medications, prescription eyeglasses and cataract surgeries at designated centres in Minna, Suleja, Bida, Kontagora and Kuta.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana, described blindness as a major public health challenge with significant social and economic consequences.
He disclosed that preliminary activities under the outreach programme had already yielded encouraging results, with more than 2,300 people screened, over 2,000 treated with medications and about 700 eyeglasses distributed.
Bagana further revealed that hundreds of cataract cases had been identified for surgical intervention as part of efforts to reduce the burden of preventable blindness across the state.
Also speaking, Head of Programmes at Qatar Charity Nigeria, Irshad Ali Sheikh, said the initiative forms part of the organisation’s global campaign against avoidable blindness.
He noted that more than 2,400 residents are expected to benefit from the screening exercise, while at least 400 people will undergo free cataract surgeries. The organisation also plans to distribute white canes and food support packages to vulnerable beneficiaries.
Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr Usman Abubakar Bosso, commended the partnership, describing it as a significant boost to the state’s healthcare delivery system.
According to him, over 3,000 patients had already been screened within four days of the programme, while hundreds were identified as requiring surgical procedures.
The initiative is expected to improve access to eye care services and reduce cases of preventable blindness among vulnerable populations across Niger State.
