The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation in collaboration with the Bayelsa State government, on Monday, kicked off a free Cataract screening and extraction programme, targeting about 1,000 beneficiaries in Bayelsa State.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said the medical outreach was aimed at tackling high rate of vision impairment and blindness caused by cataracts.
Represented by the manager, Healthcare Programmes, NNPC Foundation, Mr. Jude Ayalogu, Arukwe stated that the initiative, which spans all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, was expected to restore sight to 6,000 beneficiaries, with 1,000 from each region.
She explained that the programme is part of the Foundation’s broader healthcare intervention efforts, including past initiatives such as glaucoma screening for over 290 individuals in Abuja and cancer screenings for 3,440 Nigerians nationwide.
Arukwe emphasised that vision is a key component of human dignity and productivity, noting that its loss poses not only health challenges, but also social and economic consequences.
“By providing these surgeries and educating the public on eye health, we are creating real impact and driving positive change in the lives of our people,” she said.
The First Lady of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Gloria Diri, who declared the programme officially open, lauded the NNPC Foundation for its commitment to improving healthcare, particularly its focus on combating preventable blindness.
She urged beneficiaries to make the most of the free services and also encouraged the public to spread the word about the importance of eye care and the availability of the programme.
“Let’s help those around us who may benefit from this initiative access the care they need. The NNPC Foundation is here to provide quality treatment at no cost,” she said.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, said the free cataract surgery aligned with the healthcare delivery goals of the Prosperity Administration under Governor Douye Diri.
“The governor also approved support for FMC and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital in Okolobiri, to see that this activity is a success. At this point, we have had over 500 plus screened for surgeries.
“As a government, we are at the forefront to see that we achieve the universal healthcare delivery by 2030, therefore we are in the business of taking healthcare to the door step of all Bayelsans”, Prof. Brisibe stated.
The Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre in Bayelsa, Dr. James Omietimi described the Foundation’s programme as life-changing for the beneficiaries and will significantly improve the lives of many suffering from cataract-induced blindness.
Dr. Omietimi said many patients in low-income communities are unable to afford the care, resulting in prolonged suffering and, in many cases, total blindness.
He urged other organisations to emulate the Foundation in addressing other critical health challenges.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ebimobowei Ogoun,m thanked the Foundation, the Bayelsa State Government, and the entire medical team for the life-changing opportunity. “Before the surgery, I could not afford almost N300,000 to go for the operation, but today, the burden has been lifted”, she said excitingly.
