From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched a comprehensive eye camp initiative to provide free surgeries for 10,000 residents suffering from various visual impairments, including cataracts.
Governor Zulum made the announcement on Monday while inaugurating the programme, which is a collaboration between the Borno State Government and Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly. Senator Ndume funded surgeries for 500 beneficiaries as part of the initiative.
The programme, initially designed to benefit 1,000 individuals, was expanded due to the overwhelming number of people in need of assistance.
“We launched a programme to provide medical attention to over 1,000 individuals, focusing on cataract operations. During the exercise, I was struck by the overwhelming number of people in need. Many have not received medical attention in over two years because of the cost of surgery,” Zulum said.
To address the high demand, the governor directed an expansion of the programme to cover 10,000 patients, with 4,000 surgeries to be conducted in Maiduguri, 3,000 in Southern Borno, and another 3,000 in Northern Borno.
Additionally, Governor Zulum approved financial support of N50,000 for each patient who undergoes surgery to help them manage post-operative care effectively.
The governor expressed gratitude to Senator Ndume and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the initiative.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I express my heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed to this initiative. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our citizens,” Zulum said.