Date: 2021-09-03

The Kwara State Government says it has designed policies and programs to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare.

The Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, made this known today at the opening of the 45th annual general meeting and scientific conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria in Ilorin.

Represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, the Governor said the government has significantly invested in eye care to solidify Kwara's leadership in vision care in Nigeria, including enhanced access for vulnerable groups.

According to Mallam AbdulRazaq, no fewer than 750 eye surgeries and 3000 eyeglasses have been facilitated by the government, also upgrading old facilities and constructing state of the art facilities at the State General Hospital Ilorin and the Civil Service Hospital in Ilorin.

"As part of the overall objectives of transforming the Ilorin General Hospital to a training Centre for the state-owned Kwara State University, we have reactivated our collaboration with Sightsavers. This is to train Ophthalmologists under the aegis of the West African College of Surgeons. More of such strategic partnerships are in the offing." he said.

The Governor lauded the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria for availing the people of Kwara the invaluable expertise by partnering with the state between 30-31st of August 2021, when the government sponsored hundreds of free cataract surgeries.

The National President, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Dr Bade Ogundipe, lauded the Kwara State Government for providing enabling environment for Ophthalmology to thrive in the state, adding that the body is delighted by the quality eye care delivery provided to the people and the harmonious engagement of the practitioners in the state.

In his goodwill message, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Raji Razaq, said the Kwara State government is not only solving the eye problems of its people by providing doorsteps interventions but also creating awareness to the people on the importance of eye health.

Modupe Joel

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor

Sept. 2, 2021