By Emmanuel Zangana, Kogi, INN Reporter
Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs has called for total compliance with the National Disability Act (2018) and the Kogi State Disability Act (2019) by making health facilities and other public buildings accessible for Persons with Disabilities.
Chairman of the Board, Hon. Ibrahim Daniel Arome made the disclosure when he embarked on an evaluation tour of the Zonal Hospital, Idah, in company of the State Coordinator, Persons Affected with Albinism in Kogi State, Miss Victoria Ocheni. Also in the visiting team was the leadership of Persons with Disabilities, Idah Local Government Area. The inspection included assessment of level of work done at the Inclusive Eye Clinic built by Sightsavers, in partnership with the Kogi State Government to allow for easy access of Persons with Disabilities of all clusters.
According to Arome, “This is an opportunity for Persons with Disabilities across Kogi East to avoid eye problems.”
He further noted that in another eye clinic, the least cataract surgery cost is 50 thousand naira and above. However, in all of the above mentioned Sightsavers-Kogi Government eye center, a cataract surgery can be done with as low as 12 thousand naira. Meanwhile, testing is free of charge.
INN reports that a similar Inclusive Eye Clinic exists in Kabba/Bunu (Kogi West), with an outreach Centre at Okene (Kogi Central).
Arome urged Persons with Disability and their non-disabled counterparts to call in at the Zonal Hospitals at Ankpa, Kabba/Bunu, Okene and Idah for eye tests.
While lauding Sightsavers for its work of true inclusion and accessibility, he called on the Kogi State Government, Urban and Regional Planning Ministry, the Ministry of Works, etc, to ensure total compliance with the National Disability Act (2018) and the Kogi State Disability Act (2019) by making all health facilities and public buildings accessible for Persons with Disabilities.
“We are humans before our Disabilities” Arome said.