Over 7,000 inmates get free eye treatment

Rwamagana–A team of Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) doctors attached to Rwanda Military Hospital completed a 40-day eye-care drive in all prison facilities in the country.The free eye screening and treatment exercise, that started at Kigali Central Prison last month, ended at Nsinda Prison in Rwamagana district yesterday.According to authorities, 7609 prisoners with eye problems were treated, while 145 were referred to the military hospital for surgery.Dr Alex Nyemazi, an ophthalmologist at the military hospital, told The New Times that the eye screening exercise was successful.“There are about 145 cases that need operation…7609 were successfully treated, while 4,134 were given eye glasses. The prisoners’ eye problems reflect their age…the majority are above 40 years, the age at which eye problems tend to grow,” he said.Col Ben Karenzi, the Commandant of Rwanda Military Hospital said that RDF services to the people would continue.He observed that for those that have been referred to Kigali for operation include severe blind cases and eye cataract cases that will need to be corrected through operation.“Our services are dedicated to every single Rwandan. So, treating the prisoners is our obligation and a right they have to enjoy. Next time we shall be here to handle teeth problems,” he said.Addressing thousands of inmates at the official conclusion of the operation at Nsinda Prison, the Commissioner General, Rwanda Correctional Services, Paul Rwarakabije welcomed the help from the military team, noting that it was a sign of good working relations between security organs.He requested inmates to do well and end their terms as changed people, as expected by RCS.“I thank the military initiative to handle eye diseases in Collection centres. “It is also worth thanking Desert International Charities for providing glasses and other materials,” he said.Nsinda Prison hosts over 7000 inmates.

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Over 7,000 inmates get free eye treatment