FG promises access to eye care for every Nigerian
By Our Correspondent
Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, said the Federal Government will ensure that every Nigerian have access to the eye care they needed.
Salako said this in Abuja at the Eyeball Summit organised by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN).
The summit had the theme:“Shaping the Future of Eye Care in Nigeria: Strengthening Systems Through Strategic Alliances”.
He said the theme was quite apt and aligned with ministry’s current line of investment in the health sector.
He said it also aligned with the overall goal of the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that Nigerians were provided with the healthcare they needed at any point in time without financial hardship.s
Salako said in the face of rising challenges, such as the increasing burden of visual impairment, and the growing demand for eye care services, it was evident that they could not address the issue of eye health in isolation.
“By working together, we can ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their geographical location or economic status, has access to the eye care they need.
“This summit which serves as an important platform to collectively strategise and propose concrete solutions that can strengthen the eye care system in Nigeria.
“Cannot be optimally productive without strategic alliances, collaboration and cooperation
“It is through partnerships that we can pull resources, share expertise, and develop innovative solutions to overcome the gaps in eye care provision,” Salako said.
He stressed the need for increased awareness on the importance of regular eye check-ups, and ensuring that necessary infrastructure and human resources were in place to support the delivery of services.
He said this was critical to promote eye health friendly policies and provide continueous professional development training to ensure that eye health care givers were up to date in their knowledge and skills.
“Thus, the government is committed to ensuring that you have the necessary tools, policies, and an enabling environment to carry out your work effectively.
” Under this administration, we will continue to expand access to affordable eye care services, which are critical in a country where a large proportion of the population live in underserved areas,” he said.
In his speech, Dr Obinna Awiaka, Registrar of the board said the summit was, a testament to collective commitment, resilience, and aspiration.
Awiaka said it symbolised the board’s relentless pursuit of excellence, the prioritisation of knowledge, innovation, and partnership, and an unyielding devotion to preserving and enhancing the gift of sight for all Nigerians.
According to him, in an era marked by rapid technological change, shifting patient needs, and complex healthcare challenges, it is imperative that the custodians of vision health, stay ahead of the curve.
“We must constantly evolve, embracing innovation while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.
“The theme speaks to a fundamental truth: No single entity, no matter how skilled or committed, can achieve transformative change alone.
” It is only through collaboration, through building bridges across institutions, sectors, and disciplines, that we can create robust, sustainable, and accessible eye core systems for all,” he said.(https://newsatlarge.ng)
