2,000 Patients Undergo Free Surgery In Jigawa

Jigawa Coordinator, Eye care and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Dr Abdulrahman Ashiru, said 2,000 people with cataract disease are currently undergoing free surgery in the state.

Ashiru said the exercise was being conducted by the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria and Federation of Islamic Medical Association Cataract. He explained that the surgery is being supported by the Jigawa Government, Albasar International, Christopel Blind Mission and Sight Savers.

The coordinator disclosed that 115 patients underwent the surgery in the first round of the programme which started on Saturday.

“As of yesterday (Sunday), we were able to successfully conduct the surgery on 115 of the 2,000 beneficiaries. And by the grace of God we will complete the rest between today and tomorrow,’’ he said.

According to him, the state government has provided accommodation for the team of surgeons conducting the exercise and provided fuel to power generator in case of power failure. He added that the government has taken care of other logistics needed for the successful conduct of the programme.

“The state government gave us all the necessary support and logistics, including accommodation for the team of our surgeons.
“And we appreciate the gesture because it made our operation successful,’’ Ashiru said.

He pointed out that that the gesture was to assist the patients to regain their lost sight caused by cataract and other diseases.

One of the beneficiaries, Malama Binta Adamu, commended the Jigawa Government and its partners for the gesture, saying that she could not have performed the surgery without the assistance.

Another beneficiary, Alhaji Sani Mainika, after his surgery, also commended the state government and the organisation for assisting him to regain his sight.