Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has pledged unwavering government backing for the ongoing construction of a specialist eye hospital in the state, designed to deliver advanced ophthalmological treatments to patients across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Governor Mohammed made this commitment while hosting a joint delegation from the [Al-Basar International Foundation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al- BasarInternationalFoundation), the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), and allied organizations during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Bauchi.
What are the timelines for the new facility?
Construction work on the specialist medical facility is projected to wrap up by December, paving the way for an official commissioning in January. Governor Mohammed noted that he personally inspected the site and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the ongoing development.
He lauded the collaborative efforts between the development partners and the Al-Muhibbah Foundation, describing the initiative as a remarkable display of unity and philanthropy aimed at alleviating human suffering. He also commended the Bauchi State First Lady, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, for championing critical humanitarian interventions through her platform.
How many surgeries are planned for residents?
Speaking on behalf of the visiting coalition, Bello Abdullahi Yuguda, the Regional Manager of Kano Eye Hospital, revealed that Al-Basar and CBM have lined up 2,500 complimentary cataract surgeries for Bauchi residents this year, a figure that includes 100 procedures dedicated specifically to children.
Furthermore, Yuguda stated that an additional 600 free medical interventions have been earmarked for underprivileged beneficiaries through the Al-Muhibbah Foundation. He highlighted that under the broader SightQuest Programme, infrastructural upgrades are also being carried out at selected health facilities in Azare, Misau, and Ningi, alongside the deployment of modern eye- care tools to primary healthcare centres.
Plans are equally in motion to set up a dedicated eye-care training institution within the state to boost local capacity.
Also addressing the gathering, Mr. Tobias Pflanz, representing the Christian Blind Mission, expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State Government and local partners for their continuous cooperation. He shared the inspiring story of a nine-year-old girl who recently recovered her vision following a successful surgical intervention, expressing optimism that the ongoing partnership will restore sight to many more vulnerable children and adults.