Wife of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Ogbonna Nwifuru, has flagged off free eye care programme for traditional rulers across the 13 local government areas of the state.
The initiative, which includes free eye screening, eye surgeries, and issuance of eyeglasses, is being carried out through her pet project, the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO) foundation, in partnership with Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) and the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences,Uburu.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, Mrs.Nwifuru-who is also the Grand Ambassador of EBSHIA-described the programme as part of her commitment to the well-being of the people, especially the elderly.
She equally used the event to announce the enrollment of all the traditional rulers in the state into the state Health insurance.
“This occasion defines our commitment to the well-being of our people, especially our elders. Our eyes are windows to the world, and sadly, many suffer from preventable conditions that hinder their vision. Through this initiative, we are offering free screenings, surgeries, and glasses to restore hope,” she said.
She emphasized that eye care remains one of the most overlooked aspects of health, and the programme is a bold step toward ensuring accessible healthcare services.
“In 2024, we performed surgeries for people living with hernia and other ailments at no cost. Today,
we are offering free eye care because eye health is a critical but often overlooked area,” she noted.
The team lead of Better Health for Rural Women , Children, Internally displaced persons (BERWO), Prof. Nkechiyere Echiegu, further elaborated on the programme’s scope:
“This is specifically for all the traditional rulers in the state across the three senatorial zones.
They are about 120 or thereabout. We will give them a whole day, take our time and screen them. Once this screening, they will be enrolled into health insurance so that if they have any ailment, they quickly go to the hospital.
“We have done for pregnant women, we have done for sickle cell warriors, and now we have added the kings into it to make sure that they deserve better health and for them to live a healthier life.”
Speaking, the Executive Secretary of Ebonyi Health Insurance EBSHIA (EBSHIA), Dr. Divine Igwe described the programme as timely, citing the rise in age-related eye conditions.
“Eye issues are now a global concern, especially among those above 40. Last week alone, we screened 486 persons for cataracts and selected 200 for surgeries in collaboration with NNPC. This flag-off focuses on our royal fathers, who play vital roles in their communities,” he said.
“Some eye conditions are age-related or triggered by underlying ailments like diabetes or hypertension. Others, like glaucoma, are genetic and irreversible if not detected early.
Dr Igwe emphasized the need for regular eye check up especially those above 40, the avoid blindness.
“Regular check-ups are key to prevention and early intervention,” he added.
Some beneficiaries shared their appreciation.
HRH Ezeogo Patrick Nkaga, from Iziogo Okwa Afikpo Autonomous Community, said:
“the programme is a well-thought-out initiative by His Excellency in collaboration with EBSHIA. I’m personally happy to be here and to go through the test.
“Many of us are aging, and this will help us function better with our sight.”
HRH SN Oketa Onuoha-III, of Nkaliki Echara Unuhu autonomous community, expressed gratitude to the governor and his wife. Stating,
“I feel so happy about this. Many of our people died because they didn’t have access to this, but this they started this, we have been enjoying, remembering our Ezeogos today is good, they are doing well.”
In her remarks, Barr. Elizabeth Ogechi Ogbaga, Chairman of Ebonyi health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), lauded the First Lady’s health-driven efforts.
“She has done so much-from organizing hernia surgeries to supporting pregnant women in rural areas. That’s why we declared her an Ambassador of Health. Today, we continue her impactful efforts through this programme for our traditional rulers,” Ogbaga said.
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