Foundation offers free medical care to over 600 patients in Niger

The Sani Bello Foundation, partnering with Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation, delivered free surgical care to more than 600 patients at Kontagora General Hospital, commemorating Col. Sani Bello’s (Rtd) birthday.

The initiative targeted ailments like fibroids, appendicitis, hernias, goitres, lumps, and eye issues, including cataracts and pterygium. It included dental services for the first time and distributed over 600 glasses.

The Vice Chairman of the Sani Bello Foundation, Usman Sani Bello, said the reason for the outreach was to help humanity.

Despite security fears, the event proceeded after screening 3,000+ patients. The surgeries carried out exceeded last year’s 550, covering thyroidectomies, myomectomies, hysterectomies, hernia repairs, and 100+ cataract extractions—each worth N90,000-N100,000.

The Chief Surgeon and Chairman of the Graceland Health Development Foundation, Kaduna, Dr Tort Joseph, noted major procedures and referrals for complex cases, with the foundation funding treatments like neurofibroma at Kaduna’s National Eye Centre.

Beneficiaries came from Lagos, Akure, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and local areas like Gwada and Minna.

The Director General, Sani Bello Foundation, Dr Zakari Ikani, said that the selection was open via ads and texts, adding that no connections were required.

Beyond surgeries, the foundation said it offered year-round scholarships, vocational training, and a two-year-old malnutrition centre aiding over 10 children this year amid economic hardships.

The Vice Chairman said that the future plans for the foundation include expanding the scope organically, potentially through the Sani Bello University’s hospital for paid advanced tests, and reducing travel burdens for medical checks in Minna and Abuja.

Bello urged shared responsibility to meet the nation’s medical needs, saying, “We can’t leave everything for the government.”

The Kontagora-based effort, rooted in Col. Bello’s ties, now draws nationwide patients with West African ambitions.

Breakdown of the treatment includes 399 general surgeries, 117 eye operations, 199 dental procedures, 174 total toothpaste/toothbrush dispensers, 122 dental medications given, 91 tooth extractions, 59 tooth washings, and 45 tooth replacements. A total of 4,680 drugs were distributed.