By our reporter in Minna
No fewer than 600 people are said to have benefitted from free surgeries and medical operation in Kontagora area of Niger state.
The free medical services designed at bringing sucour to the less privilleged members of the public was organised by the Col. Sani Bello Foundation.
Speaking, the Founder of the Foundation and Former Kano State Military Governor, Colonel Sani Bello (Rtd), stated this at the weekend at the end of a five day long medical outreach for the vulnerable population of the area.
He described the outreach which was organised in honour of his birthday, as more fulfilling than hosting lavish celebrations for privileged individuals.
“Two days ago, a doctor showed me a malnourished child’s photo. The kind of poverty I see now in Kontagora, I never saw growing up. People can’t even afford basic healthcare,” Bello said,
While expressing shock at the rising levels of deprivation of medical treatment , the former Military Governor said that nearly 1,000 people registered for eye treatments during this year’s outreach, demonstrating the community’s dire need for medical assistance.
He explained that his motivation on the medical outreach stemed from a sense of duty to give back to the society that educated and shaped him.
“Seeing smiles on patients’ faces gives me immense joy and helps me sleep well. It’s my way of contributing to the society that made me who I am,” he said.
The five-day free healthcare service to commemorate the 82nd birthday of Col. Sani Bello was organized by the Sani Bello Foundation in collaboration with Graceland Healthcare Foundation addressed a wide range of medical conditions, including fibroids, appendicitis, goitre, lumps, vaginal prolapse, hernia, hydrocele, and cataract surgeries and other eye cases.