Governor Alex Otti of Abia has cautioned residents against patronising quacks for eye treatment, warning such actions could lead to fatal consequences.

He issued the warning on Wednesday during the launch of NNPC’s 1,000 free cataract extraction surgery outreach at the Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia.

Otti, represented by Health Commissioner, Prof. Enoch Uche, stressed that receiving eye care from quacks could introduce more harmful diseases and damage the delicate organ.

He urged residents to seek treatment only from state government-approved medical facilities to ensure proper care and safety.

Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revamping the healthcare sector across Abia.

He noted that cataracts account for 50 million cases of blindness worldwide, which is preventable with timely and adequate treatment.

He commended the NNPC Foundation for collaborating with the state to offer free eye care to residents of the South-East.

Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, said cataracts cause 43 per cent of blindness cases in Nigeria.

Arukwe said the outreach was launched across all six geopolitical zones to help prevent blindness, especially among the poor.

Mrs Ngozi Azodo, Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Health Matters, said surgeries were being conducted at three centres in the state.

The centres include Abia Specialist Hospital, Madonna Catholic Hospital in Umuahia, and General Hospital, Aba.

Some beneficiaries thanked God, NNPC, and the Abia State Government for restoring their vision through the free surgeries.