By Uzair Adam
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has launched a free cleft lip and palate surgery initiative for patients, courtesy of sponsorship by the Qatar Charity Foundation.
The Daily Reality gathered that the program was inaugurated on Sunday during an opening ceremony at the hospital.
Speaking at the event, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Abdurrahman Abba Shehe, disclosed that the first phase of the program aims to provide surgeries for 200 patients, with plans to eventually benefit 1,000 individuals.
Dr. Shehe reiterated AKTH’s dedication to offering quality healthcare to underserved communities. He further revealed that the hospital had sought additional support from Qatar Charity Foundation to address the rising incidence of cardiac diseases, particularly among children in Northern Nigeria.
“We have many children suffering from cardiac problems in this region, and we are hopeful that Qatar Charity will extend their assistance to this area as well,” Dr. Shehe said.
The Qatar Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ali Ghanem Al Hajri, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare access in Nigeria, noting, “We are dedicated to collaborating with AKTH to sponsor treatments for patients with various medical conditions as part of our ongoing efforts to uplift vulnerable communities.”
One of the beneficiaries, Sahura Ismail, expressed gratitude on behalf of the patients, stating, “We are deeply thankful to the Qatar Charity Foundation for their kindness and generosity.”
This collaboration between AKTH and Qatar Charity Foundation signifies a vital step in enhancing healthcare access for Northern Nigeria’s underserved populations, with prospects for expansion into other critical medical interventions.