About 18,000 vulnerable patients with various eye ailments in Katsina, have benefited from free eye care services and surgeries sponsored by the Mangal Foundation, since its establishment in 2016.
A member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mr Hussaini Kabir, disclosed this on Friday during the commencement of the 2025 last-quarter eye surgery exercise at the Katsina Eye Centre.
Kabir explained that about 7,000 people benefitted in 2025 alone, cutting across Katsina State, neighbouring states, and even parts of the Niger Republic.
According to him, the foundation began screening beneficiaries about two weeks ago, during which many patients received free drugs and medicated eyeglasses.
Kabir added that those requiring surgery had their entire hospital stay fully covered, adding that about 2,000 patients were screened during the ongoing last-quarter exercise.
He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to improving access to healthcare, describing the initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility.
“Our aim is to complement government efforts and ease the healthcare cost burden on the most vulnerable, especially those struggling to meet basic needs,” he said.
An ophthalmologist at the centre, Dr. Ahmad Hamza, revealed that many patients were diagnosed with cataracts and glaucoma, conditions that often require surgical intervention.
He emphasised the importance of regular eye check-ups, noting that early detection helps prevent permanent vision loss caused by silent eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
One of the beneficiaries, Malam Yusufa Usman, said he had suffered vision problems for over two years but could not afford surgery.
“For the past two years, I could not see clearly, but today I have undergone the surgery and I am hopeful my sight will be restored.
“I pray that Almighty Allah rewards the Mangal Foundation for this kind gesture. I hope other wealthy individuals will emulate this act,” Usman said.
Another beneficiary, Aisha Muntari from Bakura village, shared her experience while waiting to be taken into the theatre.
Muntari said she developed eye problems about a year ago and had almost lost hope before learning about the foundation’s intervention, expressing confidence that her vision would soon be restored.
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