By Makutu Manneh
Ahlu-Bait Rashu Foundation and Gui-Mam Eye Care provided free eye screening for hundreds of Gambians at Farato on Saturday, 16 April.
After screening the eyes, the medical team gives medicines (eye drops and pills) and glasses to patients that need it while those that need operation will be taken to the hospital which will also be free.
Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Communication, commended the foundation and partners for creating such an initiative, saying the foundation’s intervention in the area of eye care service is important as it will help to reduce the burden on the ministry of Health.
“As we can see, hundreds of Gambians meet here today to have access to the free eye care screening,” he said.
Momodou P. Nyassi, Deputy Director Health Services, expressed similar remarks.
“Health if look at, is very expensive, hence, all citizens have to come together to assist the government,” Mr. Nyassi said, adding eye care should be everyone’s business as one gets older, the eyes get old as well.
He called on everyone to frequently visit hospitals to check on their eyes.
Abdoulie Ngett, President of Gui-Mam Eye Care, said members of the association deduct from their salary to contribute to the association, reiterating that they use its proceeds to go around the country to provide free eye care service to the people.
He said their main objective is how to help Gambians get free eye care service without paying a dime.
Oumie Hydara, President of the Women in the Foundation, expressed delight seeing hundreds of Gambians especially the women answered to their call in providing free eye care service to them.
She called on the populace to attain such opportunities as it is rare to come by.
Aja Ramatoulie Hydara, a member of the foundation, said eyes are important organs in the human body and once it is not functioning well, it has a negative impact on the person’s life and that of the family members.
Ms. Hydara thanked the Gui-Mam Eye Care for the services they have been providing to less privilege Gambians, adding “this is why we collaborated with them because we have seen what they are doing.”
