BY NEWS DESK
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has provided financial support to beneficiaries of the free cataract surgery initiative in the state.
Each patient who undergoes the surgery will receive N50,000 to support their post-operative care.
He announced the support on Monday during the launching of the free cataract surgery to 10,000 people in Borno State.
According to him, the gesture is part of the state government's efforts to improve healthcare services in Borno State.
The free cataract surgery initiative, launched in collaboration with Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno South at the Red Chamber aims to provide medical attention to over 10,000 individuals.
The program has already screened 1,457 patients, with 302 undergoing surgery on the first day.
'I was struck by the overwhelming number of people in need, many had not received medical attention in over two years, highlighting the dire poverty and lack of access to healthcare in our state.
'In response, I have directed that the program be expanded to support up to 10,000 patients,' Gov. Zulum said.
The governor also announced plans to undertake cataract operations for 4,000 patients in Maiduguri, 3,000 in Biu, and 3,000 in Monguno, which is set to be commissioned soon.
'We will undertake cataract operations for 4,000 patients in Maiduguri and additional 3,000 in Biu which is the southern part of the State, with 3000 in Monguno the northern part of Borno which we are to commission very soon,' he added.