An awareness raising for the integration of Eye Health into the Free Health Care initiative has ended at the Connaught Eye Clinic at Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown.
The event which attracted the Media, Disability Organisations and Civil Societies was held on Wednesday 14th June 2023, with an aim to educate organizations working with the Free Health Care beneficiaries, about the free health care initiative with respect to eye health services.
Addressing participants during the event, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, Ophthalmologist at Connaught Hospital and also the Program Manager for the National Eye Care Program in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, stated that all government eye health facilities across the country would be providing free services to all eye health care beneficiaries. She noted that they invited stakeholders dealing with eye health beneficiaries for them to help disseminate the message in their organizations, and also raise awareness about their entitlement, as they are most often left out and unable to access the facilities due to ignorance and other means.
She highlighted that all pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under five, people with disabilities and Ebola survivors are entitled to and would be benefiting from the free eye care services.
She also pointed out that the initiative caters for any eye treatment that the patient may have, whether examination, operation, treatment, or glasses as long as it’s available and catered for.
Speaking on the roles and commitments of eye health personnel in the free health care initiative, Alex Yokie, Optometrist at the Waterloo Eye Health Care, explained that the free health care seeks to enable its targeted beneficiaries to access unlimited heath care.
Despite this he said, there were many challenges with the number of trained and motivated health staff. A major challenge he furthered, was the exclusion of persons living with disabilities and special needs in the scheme.
He explained that health care providers must always Create an enabling and friendly environment especially to the physically challenged persons and to also take an active role in the elimination of diseases.
Dr. Lloyd Harrison-Williams, speaking on how to integrate the free health care initiative into the national eye health program stated that one way to integrate this service is by partnership, public relations and dedication.
He explained that the facilities must be accessible to the targeted beneficiaries and more especially be disable friendly. He noted that the beneficiaries must promote it for it to be well known. He also highlighted regular meetings to ensure beneficiaries are benefiting from the scheme and to ensure that everything is working accordingly.
