By Sadiq Mohd. Zaria The Fatima Tajuddeen Abbas Foundation has launched a free eye-care outreach programme targeting 2,000 patients with v...
By Sadiq Mohd. Zaria
The Fatima Tajuddeen Abbas Foundation has launched a free eye-care outreach programme targeting 2,000 patients with various vision challenges across the Zaria Federal Constituency in Kaduna State.
The initiative, designed to provide quality eye-care services to underserved communities, commenced with a team of ophthalmologists and optometrists conducting comprehensive eye examinations and offering treatment for diverse eye conditions.
Speaking during the flag-off, a representative of the foundation, Barrister Aminu Ramalan, underscored the importance of eye health and the need for regular medical check-ups. He said the outreach, taking place at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Tudun Wada, Zaria, will run for six days.
Ramalan explained that the founder, Hajiya Fatima Tajuddeen Abbas, initiated the programme out of concern for the health needs of her constituents, especially women, children, and the elderly. He said the beneficiaries were largely vulnerable residents, whom the foundation prioritises.
“You know Hajiya Fatima, fondly called Tauraruwar Iya, is a woman with a compassionate heart and deep concern for the wellbeing of the people. That is why she rolled out this programme to support the less privileged and vulnerable in society,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Zaria Local Government Area, Engineer Jamil Ahmad Muhammad (JAGA), said the outreach will provide free eye screening, medication, prescription glasses, and surgical procedures for eligible patients. He added that beneficiaries were selected from all 13 wards of the local government to ensure fairness and inclusiveness.
Jaga also disclosed that the six-day exercise may be extended by the Speaker’s wife if necessary.
The head of the medical team, Dr. Kamilu Saleh, assured the public of the team’s commitment to delivering quality eye-care services.
“Our team will conduct detailed eye screenings, provide medication, and perform surgeries where required, in line with the directives of the convener, Hajiya Fatima Tajuddeen Abbas, the Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives,” he said.
Dr. Saleh noted that the outreach is expected to benefit residents of Zaria and neighbouring communities. He urged individuals with vision-related issues to take advantage of the free services. He also revealed that the foundation has partnered with a medical team from the Republic of Turkey to enhance service delivery.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention. One recipient, Hajiya Fatima Umar, said, “I’ve been struggling with my vision for months. This assistance is a blessing. Thank you to the Fatima Tajuddeen Abbas Foundation for bringing this service to our community.”
A 12-year-old beneficiary, Ahmed Musa, said, “I couldn’t see the blackboard clearly before, but now I can. Thank you, doctor, for helping me.”
Another beneficiary, 65-year-old Mallam Ibrahim Ali, who had lived with cataract for years, described the programme as “a lifesaver.”
Mrs. Zainab Suleiman, who brought her children for screening, also appreciated the intervention, saying they were diagnosed and given free treatment and medication.
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