HEALTH MINISTER EMPHASIZES REGULAR EYE-CHECKS

HEALTH MINISTER EMPHASIZES REGULAR EYE CHECK-UPS

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA:  Tanzania Health Minister Hon. Dr. Hussain Mwinyi emphasized the need to spread the practice of regular eye-check-ups so as to prevent and cure eye diseases and blindness.

Speaking at the function to mark the international event of “World Sight Day” organized by half dozen organizations, spearheaded by Lions Club of Dar es Salaam Pwani, the Minister said regular eye-checks needs to be spread throughout the country. He called on voluntary organizations such as the Ngos, hospitals and institutions to volunteer in this work so as to complement the efforts of the Government.

He observed that the country had only twenty five highly qualified Eye Specialists to serve thousands of people in the country. The situation, he said had to be complimented with voluntary services from private sector. He highly praised the Lions Clubs, Standard Charter Bank, Sight Savers Mission, Welfare Association of Pakistanis, Tanzania Optometrists Association, Tanzania Muslim Agency, CCBRT, Brien Holden Institute and Mahila Hindu Mandal  for joining hands in conducting the voluntary free-for-all two-day eye camps in  the city.

A total of 1147 patients were screened (559 women & 588 men) were screened for general eye ailments, including provision of general medicines and reading spectacles  -all free of any charges. A total of 1010 pairs of reading glasses were given to the people with poor sights and sixteen students were referred to Muhimbili Main Hospital.

Patients with cataract problems numbered sixty and they will be operated at the CCBRT hospital in Dar es Salaam at the expenses of Lions Club Pwani. Three elderly persons with some eyes complications will be attended by highly specialist Doctors in Muhimbili Hospital.

The “Walk for Sight” procession, headed by the Police Brass Band, started from the Standard Charter Bank and meandered through the busy main road to the venue of eye camps.District Governor Lion Wilson Ndesanjo was among the Walkers.  The procession was received by the Minister and heads of the organization at the platform especially created for the purpose.

The opening ceremony was also addressed by several Speakers who included the executive officer of Standard Charter Bank, Miss Liz Lloyd, President of Lions Club of Pwani Lion Pushpa Shah, Past Governor Lion Abdul majid Khan, Represenbtative of the Regional Commissioner’s Office Madam Victoria Bura, President of Mahila Hindu mandal Madame Ranjana Patel.

The Master of Ceremony was the Convenor of the project Lion Zahira Patwa.

Story & Pictures by Abdul Hai