BATMEDICS, a support group for President Bola Tinubu, has launched an initiative to provide free eye screening, medications, and corrective surgeries for approximately 500 commercial drivers and motorists in Abuja. The program, held in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), took place at the Abuja Medical Store (ACMS) beside Jabi Park. This effort aims to commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day and address healthcare challenges faced by professional drivers.
According to Petra Akinti Onyegbule, National Director of Research, Media, and Strategic Communication of BATMEDICS, the exercise seeks to improve access to eye care among commercial drivers and promote road safety. Beneficiaries diagnosed with serious visual impairments will receive free prescription medications and corrective eye surgeries funded by the organisation. This comprehensive approach ensures that drivers receive necessary treatment to maintain good eyesight.
Ojeje Onimisi, Director-General of BATMEDICS, stated that the intervention addresses healthcare challenges confronting professional drivers, whose occupations require good eyesight and sustained visual alertness. He emphasised that drivers play a critical role in Nigeria's transport system and that regular health checks, including detailed eye examinations, should be institutionalised. By doing so, drivers can be ensured to be fit for the rigorous demands of their jobs.
The organisation went beyond screening by undertaking to fund necessary medications and critical eye surgeries for beneficiaries requiring further treatment. This initiative is part of BATMEDICS' broader healthcare interventions targeting vulnerable groups and communities whose occupations expose them to specific health risks. By providing these services, BATMEDICS aims to make a positive impact on the lives of commercial drivers.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, represented by Assistant Corps Marshal ACM Ibrahim M. Bazama, commended BATMEDICS for the partnership. Bazama highlighted that good eyesight is essential for motorists to interpret road signs correctly, identify pedestrians, and respond promptly to potential traffic hazards. He described the intervention as a preventive measure that could help identify vision-related risks before they result in road crashes.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed appreciation for the opportunity to access eye care services that would otherwise be costly. They praised the initiative's sponsor, Seyi Tinubu, for supporting the programme and bringing essential healthcare services closer to them. The beneficiaries described the intervention as timely, noting that commercial drivers often prioritise their daily earnings over routine medical checks due to economic pressures.
The BATMEDICS initiative also urged motorists to prioritise regular medical examinations, warning that symptoms such as blurred vision, night blindness, and persistent eye strain should not be ignored. By promoting eye care and road safety, BATMEDICS aims to contribute to a reduction in road crashes and improve the overall well-being of commercial drivers and motorists in Abuja.
Key points
- BATMEDICS sponsors free eye screening and surgeries for 500 Abuja drivers.
- The initiative aims to promote road safety and improve access to eye care among commercial drivers.
- Beneficiaries receive free prescription medications and corrective eye surgeries funded by the organisation.
