TheCable

Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra state, has commended Guinness Nigeria Plc for revamping an eye hospital in the Onitsha area of his state.

Speaking at the re-commissioning of the project, Obiano said residents of the state would not need to go abroad for eye treatment anymore.

He said the organisation has been involved in the provision and management of quality eye care centres across the country.

“This auspicious project is an important subject which ties into one of the key enablers of my government,” he said.

“I would like to heartily commend Guinness Nigeria for their huge investment and commitment to providing world class eye care solutions across the country.

“As a testament, this facility and the equipment which Guinness Nigeria Plc has bequeathed to the Eye Hospital ranks among the very best in the world. Therefore, Anambra indigenes do not need to go abroad again to get treated for eye problems.”

Obiano used the occasion to announce the launch of a public-private-partnership (PPP)-driven health insurance policy, funded by the government and citizens in the diaspora to ensure that doctors get paid for treating patients, as well as the state’s government plan to provide free eye screenings for 1000 citizens at the hospital.

He urged the people to take advantage of the “best-in-class services” provided at the Guinness Eye hospital through regular eye screenings to prevent visual impairment and blindness.

Peter Ndegwa, managing director of Guinness, said the project is in line with the company’s commitment to making positive impact upon communities.

Ndegwa said the facility remained the reference point in the training of professionals and the provision of excellent eye care in Nigeria’s health sector.

“As a company, our focus on eye care reflects our recognition of the far-reaching impact that good eyesight can have on the overall health and wellbeing of everyone,” he said.

“We are here to celebrate the notable accomplishments which the Guinness Eye Hospital, Onitsha, has delivered to many Nigerians. Our investment in the various eye hospitals is keeping in line with our commitment to make a positive impact on the communities in which we operate.

“By helping Nigerians to preserve their sights, we play a strong role in enhancing their ability to learn, earn and get the best out of life.”

He announced a donation of eye equipment worth N5 million to the hospital, and thanked past and present staff of the hospital for their “unwavering sense of duty and ensuring the sustenance of the institution for over three decades”.

Ndegwa urged them to enhance their service delivery to reach more Nigerians.