By JOAN NWAGWU

The Federal Government has launched 2026 free eye screening for civil servants nationwide to improve health and boost productivity in public service.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, declared the programme open on Thursday in Abuja, describing it as a key initiative for staff welfare and occupational health.

The screening was organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, in collaboration with Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, held at the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Walson-Jack said “good eyesight is essential for productivity and service delivery.

“Vision is not only about leadership; good eyesight is fundamental to effective performance.”

She added that the programme was introduced in 2024, and expanded due to its impact, with 2,329 civil servants benefitting from professional eye screening, diagnosis and treatment in 2025.

The head of service commended the foundation, the medical team and volunteers for their commitment to 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 urged civil servants to utilise the programme, noting that preventive healthcare improves productivity and contributes to healthier and efficient public service.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, Mr Shravan Kasam, said the programme started on the 100th day of the Head of Civil Service’s tenure and highlighted the foundation’s 30-year work in healthcare, sanitation and vision care.

Kasam said the foundation operates hospitals in Abuja, Kebbi and Calabar, providing eye care and surgeries.

He added that more than 4,700 civil servants were screened through outreach programmes last year.

He urged Nigerians to prioritise regular eye examination, stressing that early detection prevents avoidable blindness and improves quality of life.

Mr Ibrahim Baru, the Chairman, Association of Senior Civil Servants, Labour Ministry branch, welcomed participants and commended the Head of Service for creating a supportive, health-conscious work environment. (NAN)

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