Reps urge action against glaucoma
In a bid to ensure the wellbeing of the citizenry, the House of Representatives has enjoined the authorities to put in place concrete measures aimed at checkmating the glaucoma disease in the polity.
Adopting a motion sponsored by Obinna Chidoka at the House plenary session presided by speaker Yakubu Dogara, the lawmakers particularly urged the federal ministry of health and its agencies as well as the federal capital territory (FCT) and its administrative councils to come up with initiatives that would raise awareness and educate Nigerians about the dangers of glaucoma.
Stressing the need to raise awareness and educate Nigerians about the dangers of glaucoma and encourage regular screening , early diagnosis , and appropriate treatment of the disease to prevent severe visual impairment of blindness, they maintained that there was the need to put in place a fresh register of fresh diagnosis of glaucoma and come up with treatment initiatives 5o decrease the incidences of undiagnosed and untreated glaucoma.
The lawmakers further urged Nigerians to undertake regular screening as early detection is essential to limiting visual impairment and preventing the progression towards severe visual handicap or blindness.
Before the adoption of the motion thorough voice votes, Chidoka while canvassing the support of his colleagues stated that the march 6 to 12 this year provides an ample opportunity for well meaning citizens to draw the attention of the authorities to the devastating effects of glaucoma , raise awareness and educate Nigerians about the catastrophic effects of the disease.
Describing glaucoma as both a “thief of sight”, he expressed concern that that no fewer than 11. 2 million persons ate at the risk of blindness due to glaucoma by year 2020.
Underling the need for the intervention of the authorities , he noted that early detection of the disease is essential to limiting visual impairment and preventing the progression towards severe visual handicap or bkindness .
Said he: “ Awareness is crucial to early detection of glaucoma and that it is only through awareness that people could be informed and persuaded about the importance of regular screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the disease. “
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1 Comments
What concrete measures has the National Assembly put in place.ls there any eye hospital in place?Passing motions alone
does not help the citizens,action needed and fast.
We will review and take appropriate action.