A renowned philanthropist in Katsina, Alhaji Dahiru Barau, through his NGO, Mangal Foundation, has sponsored medical treatment of 3,500 patients in the state.
Mr Hussaini Kabir, a member of the foundation’s board of trustees disclosed this during the screening exercise on Sunday in Katsina.
He added that such free medical outreach has been going on for a long time, especially in every quarter of the year, as the foundation has earmarked funds for such.
Kabir said that the foundation was sponsoring the treatment of patients with hernia, hydrocele and urology problems, who are mostly vulnerable.
According to him, the exercise is going on at the Katsina General hospital, Amadi Rimi orthopedic and Katsina eye centre.
Kabir disclosed that over 1,000 patients with hernia and hydrocele were screened, out of which over 400 of them would undergo surgery.
He explained that other people that were screened with other minor issues related to hernia and hydrocele were provided with free drugs and other necessary services.
“About 2,000 people with different eye problems are expected to benefit from the gesture, as over 80 patients have so far been screened to undergo surgery.
“Some of the patients with different eye problems were also provided with free drugs, and others that required eye glasses were given for free,” Kabir said.
He further explained that the foundation had taken responsibility for all the expenses of those undergoing surgery, within the period, until they are healed.
“The foundation is exclusively for empowerment, development, educational, charitable purposes and supporting the poor and vulnerable in the area of healthcare and economic skill.
“The foundation, initiated in 2016, had also sponsored surgical operations on thousands of patients across the state, neighbouring states and also Niger Republic,” he said.
Some of the patients interviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), commended the gesture, and called on government, private organisations and other wealthy individuals to emulate it
