By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri
The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has provided free eye surgery to at least 5,000 beneficiaries in Borno State.
Speaking during a press conference organised as part of its 25th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference tagged ‘KANEM 2024’ held in Maiduguri, Ibrahim. A. Oreagba, the National President of the Association, said the service was part of a week-long event kick started with a medical outreach.
He said that thousands of the people in the Gonidamgari community received free services to include eye- free tests, laboratory tests, consultations, and medication,among others.
He maintained that the free medical outreach is part of the association’s bid to create awareness on health concerns and support the vulnerable and downtrodden.
“We provided free eye surgery for patients at UMTH and general surgery at the state specialist hospital Maiduguri, and over 5000 people benefitted from our outreach. Our mission and objectives are to support the needy by way of providing all sorts of intervention to the people who couldn’t afford the basic medical services.
“The program aims to reach out to underserved populations in Borno, especially the needy, and provide them with the much-needed medical attention and support. The plan is to also provide normal medical services and identify patients needing surgical and other forms of medical intervention. We will set a later date to conduct surgery for the identified patients,” he assured.
He also explained that while the association intends to provide comprehensive medical services within the hospitals, it has also decided to take its commitment to the community a step further by offering a free medical outreach program.
Prof. Ibrahim urged the government at all levels to prioritise enhancing security and economic empowerment to alleviate the impacts of the ongoing global economic crisis and insecurity.
Prof. Ibrahim urged healthcare providers to prioritise emotional intelligence through training, role modelling, mentorship, and the creation of supportive work environments.
He noted that beneficiaries at the outreach lauded the association for organising the outreach and equally called on other associations to emulate the association in its bid to further care for the needy and provide the needed relief for the poor and vulnerable members of society.