The Mangal Foundation, an NGO, has provided free eye surgeries to over 14,000 vulnerable people in Katsina State since its establishment in 2013, Mr Hussaini Kabir, a member of the foundation’s board, has disclosed.
Kabir, who shared this good news during the 2025 first-quarter exercise launch in Katsina on Wednesday – yesterday, February 26 – noted that some beneficiaries received free drugs and medicated glasses while those who underwent surgeries had their hospital stay fully covered.
“For this first quarter of 2025, 1,800 patients were screened, and over 500 will have surgery, with others receiving necessary treatment,” Kabir said, explaining that the screening began on Feb. 4, with hopes to assist 1,500 patients.
He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to removing financial barriers to healthcare.
“Our aim is to ease the healthcare cost burden on the most vulnerable, as many struggle to meet basic needs,” he said, urging other organisations and philanthropists to support similar initiatives and complement the government’s healthcare delivery efforts.
The board member also emphasised the need for collective action to address healthcare challenges in underserved communities.
Some beneficiaries praised the initiative and urged the government, organisations, and wealthy individuals to follow suit.
According to a News Agency of Nigeria report, the foundation also offers free hernia and hydrocele treatment and surgery for vulnerable patients in Katsina every quarter.
