No fewer than 3,000 persons benefited from free eye surgery services organised and sponsored by Member Representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Constituency at the House of Representatives, Barr. Sunday Marshall Katung at Zonkwa in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.
The three day exercise which was held at the General Hospital, Zonkwa in Zangon Kataf local government area witnessed a massive turnout of patients, mostly the aged with varying degrees of eye diseases.
Mrs Monica Thomas 60, a resident of Zonkwa and a beneficiary told Journalists that she was treated for cataract eye disease which she had suffered from in the last 12 years.
Mrs. Thomas said as a widow, life has had it’s toll of untold hardship on her and her four children as it was difficult for her to have afforded N34,000 she needed for the surgery.
Monica however, said she was overwhelmed after the expenses of the surgery was offset by the Legislator.
“My joy knows no bounds as I believe my sight has been fully restored,” she said.
Also, Mrs Sarah Biniat aged 65 of Ramai village said she had undergone surgery following a growth that had caused her difficulties to see well for over three years.
“I could not afford the sum of N80,000 for surgery after an examination at a private hospital in Kaduna.
“Not only surgery had been carried out on my eye, I have also been given medicated eye glasses to aid my sight,” she said.
Mr Ambukson Madaki 50, another beneficiary who resides at Madakiya told ***** amidst tears that due to his eye problem, it was difficult for him to go to his farm or attend to other domestic chores.
“Today, my prayer has been answered as I can now fend for my family, against what the situation was before now,” he said.
Earlier, Brr. Sunday Marshall Katung told newsmen in an interview that the gesture was initiated out of his concern to alleviate the suffering of indigent persons especially at the grassroots.
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Thi is a humanitarian practice I have been involved in for over 20 years, principally to touch lives.
“It humbles my heart when I see people who obviously are helpless and suffering from ailments they can not afford to treat showing genuine appreciation after they are treated.” he said.
The Legislator said his focus for the initiation of medical outreaches had been on the need to minimise certain diseases, their effects on the people and the community.
“There are people who due to financial incapability had gone blind due to eye diseases like cataract and glaucoma that could have been arrested,” he said.
Also, Dr. Ibrahim Achi, Team leader and a consultant with National Eye centre, Kaduna said over 3,000 patients had been screened and booked for surgery following eye diseases including, cataract and glaucoma.
This is the second time the lawmaker is sponsoring free medical services to his constituents.
