The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has began its free cataract screening and extraction surgeries in Ogun state.
The exercise which is targeting about 1000 beneficiaries from the six South Western states is being held at the Federal Medical Center (FMC), in Abeokuta, the state capital
The Managing Director, NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, Barr. Emmanuella N. Arukwe, in her remarks stated that the initiative is a significant stride in the corporation’s commitment to improving lives and enhancing the health of the communities.
Represented by the Deputy Manager, Special Duties, Teniola Abu, Arukwe added that the programme embodies its commitment to building a society where no one is left behind.
“It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10.
“This is more than a health issue. it is a social and economic crisis, as vision loss directly affects productivity, independence, and overall quality of life”, she said.
Speaking with newsmen on the sideline of the event, the Consultant Coordinator, Dr. Anne Okorafor, noted that the surgical procedures will commence immediately after screening, saying that the exercise is part of the foundation social responsibility to the citizens.
“In Ogun State, we have screened over 600 individuals, and in Lagos, we have already screened over 100. We may surpass our initial projection of 1,000, with over 700 screened so far, and the screening process is ongoing.
“Surgical procedures have also commenced, with over 100 successful operations performed,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Head of Department, Opthamology at FMC, Dr. Peter Abikoye, advised patients to always check with the facility to prevent blindness, saying that early detection is key to cure
“Cataract is not a curse, it comes with age. It is a natural phenomenon that can however cause total blindness, making this initiative a vital lifeline for those affected”, he said.
