From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Lifted Hands INC, a medical outreachbased in the United States of America, has carried out successful eyesurgeries on over 50 people in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra.
The surgeries were performed atIyi-Enu University Teaching Hospital Ogidi, which served as a referral centrefor patients to Lifted Hands INC. and its medical team.
In his remarks, the President ofLifted Hands INC, Mr. Moses Okaro, said that coming to Nigeria on thisvolunteer mission has been highly rewarding by way of interactions.
Okaro noted that the healing and thejoy they bring to the faces of the people excited the entire team.
He hinted at plans by the team toreturn to Nigeria in 2025 to continue with the mission.
According to Okaro, the initiativewhich has lasted for 15 years now, was an annual event in memory of his latemother, Mrs Gladys Okaro.
An Ophthamologist, Dr Obinna Arinze, from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, said that the surgeries wereall successful.
According to Arinze, the missionremains happy that there were no complications arising from thesurgeries.
He said those operated on weremostly patients with severe cases and have been asked to stay overnight formonitoring while others have been discharged.
One of the eye surgerybeneficiaries, Mr Pascal Obasi said that he was grateful to God and the GiftedHands mission for returning his failing sight. “I would have had thissurgery done but due to paucity of funds I could not achieve that, I thank God for this mission and the joy they brought.
“I am not even from Anambra. Iheard of the mission and came from Imo state and they accommodated me. God willbless them.”
Also, another patient, Mrs. Agnes Okafor,said that the surgery has given her a new lease of life.
A total of 15 medical practitioners, including surgeons and nurses came down from the United States to Nigeria forthe medical outreach.