Abuja: The Federal Government has launched a nationwide free eye screening program for civil servants aimed at improving health and boosting productivity in public service. The initiative, which was declared open by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, took place on Thursday in Abuja. Mrs. Walson-Jack highlighted the program as a key initiative for staff welfare and occupational health, emphasizing the importance of good eyesight for productivity and service delivery.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the screening was organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service in collaboration with the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation and was held at the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Mrs. Walson-Jack noted that the program, introduced in 2024, was expanded due to its impact, with 2,329 civil servants having benefitted from professional eye screening, diagnosis, and treatment in 2025. She expressed appreciation for the commitment of the foundation, medical team, and volunteers in ensuring accessible and quality eye care.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described the initiative as timely and significant, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on human capital development and social investment. She encouraged civil servants to make use of the program, emphasizing that preventive healthcare leads to improved productivity and contributes to a healthier and more efficient public service.
Mr. Shravan Kasam, Chief Executive Officer of the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, remarked that the program commenced on the 100th day of the Head of Civil Service’s tenure. He highlighted the foundation’s 30-year involvement in healthcare, sanitation, and vision care, noting that it operates hospitals in Abuja, Kebbi, and Calabar, providing eye care and surgeries. Mr. Kasam reported that more than 4,700 civil servants were screened through outreach programs last year, urging Nigerians to prioritize regular eye examinations to prevent avoidable blindness and improve quality of life.
Mr. Ibrahim Baru, Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants, Labour Ministry branch, welcomed participants and praised the Head of Service for fostering a supportive, health-conscious work environment.