Over 200 benefit from Rotary’s on-going free eye surgery

THE Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate has commenced free eye surgery for patients with cataract at the General Hospital in Lagos. Leading the 14-member team of doctors and para-medical staff from India, Hon. Secretary from Rotary Eye Institute, India, Yogesh Naik, said the camp was being operated according to World Health Organization (WHO) standard with appreciation to the hospital authority and the Lagos State government. “We arrived Nigeria May 21 and commenced final screening the following day up to May 24.

More than 2,000 patients were screened out of which we got 700 patients qualified for operation. We commenced operation on May 25, resuming 7.00 a.m. and closing 9.00 p.m. daily, and have so far carried out more than 200 successful surgeries.” “Every patient, apart from the free surgery, is given free drugs that will carry him or her for one month.

This we do because of the scarcity of the drugs as well as the high cost which many of them would not be able to afford.” “We are operating the camp according to WHO standard because we realise life is involved and there would be no room for any mistake.

Also, we do not commence operation everyday until every necessary arrangement was concluded,” he said. Yogesh also announced: “There is still room for screening for more people to benefit from the exercise which would end May 30 after which we would move to Abeokuta General Hospital.”

Taiwo Aderemi

“We appreciate the efforts of Mr. N.G. Patel as we dedicate this mission to the former Secretary, Mr. Purohit, who passed on last year.”

The President of the Club, Ramesh Biswal, appreciated the efforts of the Indian team who, according to him, spend 20 hours everyday including the time of preparation before commencement of surgery. “We thank the head of the team and his members for their concern and passion.

Omowunmi Olubiyi

This project costs N15 million and we are looking for donors. Each surgery cost $150 and we have a target of 1,500 beneficiaries. We are still looking for more beneficiaries as screening is still on going,” Biswal said.

The District Governor, Rotary International comprising Lagos and Ogun States, Dr. Dele Balogun, said he was satisfied at the on-going exercise. “I have seen almost 200 people waiting for surgery without a single complaint.

I appreciate the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate that has set nothing less than N15 million aside for this project and we are also grateful to their partners, the Indo Eye Care Foundation,” he said.

Beneficiaries include Taiwo Aderemi, 53, a teacher, whose eye problem started six years ago like a boil. He was full of praises for the Club for its magnanimity.

Mrs. Ibironke Fadugba, 60, whose eye problem started three years ago, also thanked the club. Mrs. Cecilia Mora, 73, who came from Benin for the surgery said she was highly impressed and prayed that God would continue to help the club.

Mr. Omomomi Olubiyi, 25, also expressed appreciation for the Club’s kind gesture.