Rotary club plans free catarat surgery for 200 patients

No fewer than 200 persons diagnosed with cataract and pterygium ailments in Mende community, Lagos State have by identified by the Rotary Club of Maryland, Ikeja to undergo free surgery.

The surgery is aimed at correcting eye defects and restoring their sight.

The patients were among the over 1000 residents of the community who went through screening and treatment for cataract, pterygium, malaria, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and C, diabetes, cancer, tuberculosis, polio immunisation, dental care and deworming of children among other free medical care, which is organised yearly by the club.

Speaking during the medical outreach that took place at Mende Primary Health Centre, the President, Rotary Club of Maryland, Adewale Sanni said the project was part of the club’s mission for vision programme to restore sight to the less privileged.

He said the club brought the project to the community because lots of people need medical support, which they cannot afford on their own.

“This is a three-day health initiative. For referrals, we have arranged with hospitals for people who need to see the doctor with different types of medical issues. Though we have basic drugs here, for the eyes we will give glasses today and then after the glasses, people who need major surgery, like cataract and pterygium, no matter the surgery, it would be done in January by medial professional,” he added.

Explaining further the process of treatment for the project, the past president of the club, Tunde Ojo, said the screening started in October 31 with the provision of free health services on different kinds of ailment, adding that those that have undergone the tests and have health challenges are given drugs while those with severe cases are referred to the closest General Hospitals at their locations for further treatment.