By Correspondent in Kontagora.
The Sani Bello Foundation, in partnership with the Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation, has provided free surgical care to more than 600 patients at the Kontagora General Hospital in Niger State, as part of activities marking the birthday of Col. Sani Bello (Rtd).
The Vice Chairman of the Foundation, Usman Sani Bello, said the surgeries targeted patients suffering from fibroids, appendicitis, hernia, goitre, lumps, dental issues, and eye conditions such as cataracts and pterygium. He added that this year’s outreach also featured the distribution of over 600 prescription glasses, a first in the history of the programme.
Despite fears of possible attacks by armed bandits operating in the area, the medical outreach attracted and screened over 3,000 patients, surpassing last year’s record of 550 surgeries. Major procedures conducted included thyroidectomies, myomectomies, hysterectomies, hernia repairs, and more than 100 cataract surgeries, each estimated to cost between ₦90,000 and ₦100,000 if paid for privately.
The Chief Surgeon and Chairman of Graceland Health Development Foundation, Dr. Tort Joseph, noted that the team also handled complex surgical cases, while extremely advanced conditions were referred to specialized centres, including the Kaduna National Eye Centre—fully funded by the Foundation.
He disclosed that beneficiaries travelled from Lagos, Akure, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and various communities across Niger State to benefit from the initiative.
The Director-General of the Sani Bello Foundation, Dr. Zakari Ikani, explained that the selection of beneficiaries was transparent and merit-based. According to him, people applied through open advertisements and text messages, and no political or elite connection was needed to participate.
Beyond medical interventions, the Foundation also runs scholarship programmes, vocational training, and a malnutrition treatment centre that has, over the last two years, supported more than 10 children facing severe nutritional challenges.
Speaking on future plans, Usman Sani Bello revealed that the Foundation intends to expand its medical outreach organically and may soon anchor its services through the proposed Sani Bello University Hospital. This would enable patients to access advanced diagnostic tests locally, reducing the cost and stress of travelling to Minna or Abuja for medical check-ups.
In his remarks, Col. Sani Bello (Rtd) commended the medical team and volunteers for their dedication. He called on privileged Nigerians to invest their resources in developmental and humanitarian initiatives, noting that government alone cannot meet all national healthcare needs.
“We must all contribute in whatever way we can,” . “We cannot leave everything for the government alone.”he urged.
Our Correspondent reports that the outreach ended with expressions of gratitude from beneficiaries, many of whom said the intervention restored hope for those unable to afford quality healthcare due to rising economic hardship in the country.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
