30,000 vulnerable Katsina residents benefit from free medical outreach

No fewer than 30,000 vulnerable patients have benefited from free medical outreach programmes of Dahiru Bara’u Mangal Foundation, across Katsina State since 2018.

A member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Hussaini Kabir made the disclosure on Friday during the commencement of a free hernia and hydrocele surgery programme at the General Hospital, Katsina.

He said more than 700 vulnerable patients from within and outside Katsina State are expected to undergo free hernia and hydrocele surgeries under the current exercise.

According to him, the programme is designed to improve access to healthcare services for vulnerable residents who are unable to afford treatment.

“Patients diagnosed with hernia and hydrocele are currently being screened before undergoing surgery, while those with less severe medical conditions will receive appropriate medications free of charge,” Kabir said.

He added that the medical outreach is conducted periodically and also includes free eye surgeries, urological procedures and other specialised medical interventions.

Kabir further disclosed that “about 2,000 patients with different eye conditions are currently being screened and treated, with those requiring surgery scheduled to undergo the procedures at no cost,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Saifullahi Bawale commended the initiative, describing it as a valuable contribution to healthcare delivery in the state.

“The programme has restored hope to thousands of vulnerable patients who could not afford treatment. Adequate medical personnel, equipment, medications and other facilities have been provided to ensure the success of the exercise,” he said.

Impressed by the outcome, some beneficiaries have expressed appreciation for the intervention.

Malama Zulaihat Adamu, from Jibia Local Government Area of the State, said she was relieved that her son would finally undergo hernia surgery after years of being unable to raise the required funds.

“My son will now have the surgery we could not afford for a long time. We are grateful that he will finally receive treatment,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Shamsu Abubakar, who is receiving treatment for an eye condition, expressed optimism that the surgery would restore his sight.

“I pray this surgery will mark the end of my eye problem,” he said.

Similarly, Firdausi Muhammad from Batsari Local Government Area described the medical outreach as a major relief for patients who could not afford surgical treatment.

Free eye care services are also ongoing at the Katsina Eye Centre, where patients are being screened and treated as those requiring prescription eyeglasses are provided with them, while patients diagnosed with conditions requiring surgery are scheduled for the procedures.