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Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State has said the introduction of the primary school eye care service is aimed at improving school enrollment...
Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State has said the introduction of the primary school eye care service is aimed at improving school enrollment which may drop through bad sight of school pupils.
The governor spoke at formal launch of primary school children eye care service held at new State Primary School, Oshodi, adding that the administration is committed to the elimination of avoidable blindness among our children.
Tinubu added that since the introduction of the programme, over 10,000 people have so far had free surgical interventions adding that the new initiative would ensure early detection and correction of impairments in children.
According to Tinubu, the Free School Eye Care Programme would be provided for the school children in their various schools, noting that the components of the programme would include free eye glasses, provision of free eye drugs as well as general free healthcare service.
Tinubu added that those requiring eye surgeries would be operated upon later free of charge.
'It is pertinent to mention also that during this exercise, there will be screening for other ailments or defects among our school children. There will be an assessment of the children's nutritional status and those with ailments will be treated immediately, while those who require further treatment would be referred to the relevant hospitals", Governor Tinubu reiterated.
The programme, the Governor said is the first of its kind to be established for the school system in the country.
According to him, since its introduction, 450, 000 individuals have had their eyes screened free of charge, while over 200, 000 have been provided with free eye glasses to improve their vision.
Asiwaju Tinubu also warned that formenting trouble at various local governments to sheate the sword as the State Government would not allow the third tier to be turned to battle grounds.
He also advised local council chairmen to be at their utmost best as the State would not condone non performance from any of its serving local council chairmen
Tinubu listed other welfare oriented programmes being implemented by his administration to include Cleft Lip deformity corrective programme, school milk programme among others.
Health Commissioner, Dr. Tola Kasali in his submission noted that from the survey carried out in the five divisions of the state, 20.4 percent of the children covered suffered from refractive errors.
He noted that the figure is large and constitutes a huge source of preventable blinding disease if detected early.