Eye camp provides free services to 150 patients in Zanzibar

Unguja. The Zanzibar Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Saifee Hospital and Project Rise, has conducted a free eye screening and treatment camp at Chumbuni Hospital, reaching 150 patients.

The camp, held on September 7, focused on diagnosing retinal conditions, which can be associated with long-term illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Zanzibar Ministry of Health director of medical services Dr Talhia Yahya said the initiative was the result of collaboration between the institutions.

“During the exercise, 150 patients who had undergone initial screening received treatment from specialist doctors, while about 50 patients are expected to be selected for surgery and further specialist treatment,” she said.

Retinal surgery specialist Dr Mustafa Yusufali said Tanzania has only about four or five specialists in the field, while Zanzibar has none.

He urged the Government to invest more in specialist training and medical equipment to help prevent avoidable loss of sight.