The Jigawa State Government provided free cataract surgery for two days to help 200 poor people with eye problems across the state.
The government asked the patients who had the surgery to follow all instructions after the operation. This will help them heal well, avoid problems, and get the best result for their eyesight.
Cataracts are still one of the main causes of blindness around the world.
According to the World Health Organization, cataracts cause about 51% of blindness worldwide, affecting around 18 million people.
In Jigawa State, thousands of people are living with cataracts, and many others may develop it. It’s believed that over 10,000 people in the state need cataract surgery, with many more still waiting for treatment.
The surgery programme was organised by the state government and held at Dutse General Hospital.
On Friday, the head of the hospital’s eye department, Nasiru Abubakar, told journalists that the free surgery, which took place from August 14 to 15, 2025, was very successful.
Abubakar said that on the first day, 86 people with cataracts had surgery and were given glasses to help them see better.
“We operated on 86 patients with cataracts and gave them glasses. The government wants to help people who need healthcare,” Abubakar said.
He added that the free surgery programme is an important step to fight this health problem and improve life for many people in Jigawa.
He also said the programme would help many people who have been living with cataracts for a long time.
“Those who had surgery can now see again and were given medicine and glasses,” he said.
Abubakar advised the patients to carefully follow the doctor’s instructions after surgery so they can recover properly.
“We want patients to follow the instructions after surgery to heal well. This programme has helped many people, and we thank the government,” he said.
He also said the state government will continue to help people who need healthcare, especially the most vulnerable.
The patients thanked the state government for the free eye treatment.
“We thank the governor for helping us with our eye problems. We are very happy that we can see again,” said one patient, Bashari Lawan.
Another patient, 65-year-old Aminatu Sani, also thanked the government deeply.
“I’m really thankful for this help. I lived with cataracts for many years, and it affected my life. Now I can see clearly, and I feel like a new person,” she said.
She also said she can now live independently and do her daily tasks without struggle.
“I can cook, clean, and take care of my grandchildren again. This surgery changed my life, and I’ll always be grateful to the government,” she said.
