Sunyani, (B/A) June 21, GNA- The Swiss Red Cross, has wrapped up its eye care services and out reach programmes in the Brong Ahafo Region after a 10 -year contract, which ended last December.

Mr. Solomon Ganyoni, Regional Director of Ghana Red Cross who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, said the Swiss Red Cross said it would now focus on the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions where its services were most needed.

He said the Swiss claimed that the Region could now boast of one of the best hospitals in Africa, which could offer eye surgeries and other services unlike their counterparts in the North.

Mr Ganyoni however disproved the claims explaining that eye diseases were still common in the Region especially in remote areas like Goaso, Sampa, Kintampo and Yeji areas where the people are afflicted by advanced poverty.

He said many people gained their eyesight through the outreach programme of the Swiss, adding: "This pull out is a big blow to us." Mr Ganyoni said most eye volunteers in the Region were withdrawing their services because tools they needed to work were no longer available.

He said efforts were being made to get support from Lions Club and Sight Savers Club to rejuvenate the eye care programme.