The Jimeta community in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State has expressed strong support for a bill seeking to establish a National Eye Centre in Jimeta. The bill, sponsored by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central in the 10th National Assembly, aims to improve access to specialized eye care services in the Northeast.
The bill, which passed the second reading in 2024, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health for public hearing. Speaking at the hearing on Thursday at the National Assembly, Malam Bashiru Ahmad, former Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, underscored the urgent need for a dedicated tertiary eye hospital in the region.
Ahmad cited the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey (2007), which estimates that over 1.13 million Nigerians are blind, with 4.25 million adults suffering from moderate to severe visual impairment. He noted that the Northeast has a blindness prevalence rate of 6.1%, exceeding the national average.
According to Ahmad, cataracts (45%), glaucoma (16.7%), and uncorrected refractive errors are the leading causes of blindness in the region. However, with only a few ophthalmologists and a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:500,000, compared to the World Health Organization’s recommended 1:110,000, many patients rely on traditional healers, often leading to complications and permanent blindness.
Strategic Location and Impact
Ahmad emphasized that Jimeta’s central location makes it ideal for the proposed National Eye Centre, as it is accessible to patients from Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, Gombe, and even parts of Cameroon. He highlighted the presence of major road networks and an airport, making Jimeta a suitable referral hub for eye care services.
He further noted that existing healthcare infrastructure, such as the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola, could be expanded to accommodate the eye centre. Additionally, institutions like Modibbo Adama University could support the training of ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals.
Benefits of the National Eye Centre
Ahmad outlined several benefits of establishing the National Eye Centre in Jimeta, including:
Advanced Eye Care Services – The centre would provide specialized treatments such as cataract surgery, glaucoma management, paediatric ophthalmology, and corneal transplants, ensuring timely and effective care for patients.
Training and Capacity Building – It would serve as a training institution for ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, and medical technologists, addressing the shortage of eye care professionals in the Northeast.
Research and Public Health Interventions – A dedicated research unit would focus on data collection, early detection programs, and prevention strategies, contributing to a reduction in blindness rates.
Economic Impact – The centre would help reduce medical tourism costs, create employment opportunities, and improve productivity by enabling visually impaired individuals to regain their ability to work.
Call for Action
Ahmad urged the Senate to pass the bill and allocate sufficient funds for the successful establishment of the eye centre. He also called on the Federal Government to collaborate with international health organizations, private sector partners, and donor agencies for infrastructure development, equipment procurement, and specialized training.
He assured that the Jimeta community remains committed to raising awareness on eye health and ensuring the effective operation of the centre.
Expressing gratitude to the Senate Committee on Health, Ahmad said
