Sen. Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Territory (FCT), has organised a free medical outreach for indigent citizens in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who cannot afford eye surgeries and glasses.
The four-day outreach, from September 8 to September 11, aims to cater for over 3,000 people.
Speaking at the outreach in Abuja, Kingibe represented by her Legislative Aide, Mr Chris Omofoma, said the programme was initiated due to numerous requests for medical aid received by the senator daily.
Kingibe highlighted that the outreach includes eye surgeries, drug prescriptions, and provision of glasses, with over 25 medical personnel and necessary equipment available.
“The eye surgeries are being conducted, we set up a theatre in here for those that require surgery.
“So patients are tested to determine the extent of damage to the eye, those that require just drugs or glasses or surgery gets them free.
“We are looking at treating 3000 to 5000 people, there are more than 3000 glasses available for people that need them, there are four ophthalmologists, four optometrists and eight nurses.”
The senator emphasised that the programme was one of several initiatives to support the people of FCT, particularly women and people with disabilities.
Other programmes include grants for artisans and street light installations.
“We just launched the grants programme for artisans in Amac, Bwari and Kuje. There’s several street light programmes going on in FTC right now as we speak.”
Mr Emmanuel Destiny, Head of Constituency to Kingibe, explained that the outreach targeted cases of glaucoma, cataract, river blindness, and related eye issues, with additional support for people with disabilities.
Beneficiaries praised Sen. Kingibe’s humanitarian efforts, with one beneficiary, Mr Linus Akabogu, advising other senators to emulate her example.
Another beneficiary, Mr Baron Elegwu, expressed gratitude for the outreach, which he believed had reduced the financial burden on the poor and restored hope to many.
Mrs Temitope Obafemi, Coordinator, Monitoring and Evaluation, National Commission for Refugees, Migration, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMIDP), commended the outreach for its high standards and quality equipment.
By Perpetua Onuegbu, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA