Limited Hospital Facilities, Minister of Social Affairs Asks Cataract Patients to Be Referred to Makassar

BURU REGENCY (21 December 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini expressed concern when she saw the condition of the patients while waiting for their turn for free cataract surgery at Namlea Hospital, Buru Island on Thursday (21/12).  Several patients appeared to need further treatment while the facilities at Namlea Regional Hospital were less supportive.  Minister of Social Affairs also appealed for further treatment in the city of Makassar before it was too late and there was a risk of blindness.

"Treatment of cataract patients must be carried out immediately so that the patient's condition does not get worse," said Social Affairs Minister Risma when seeing the condition of the patients.

A total of 270 prospective patients were registered and then took part in screening for free cataract surgery which was held thanks to the collaboration between Ministry of Social Affairs, Pundi Amal Peduli Kasih Foundation, and BNI.  Of the prospective patients who passed the screening, 41 patients underwent cataract surgery on Wednesday (20/12), and 31 patients on Thursday (21/12) afternoon and continued until Friday.

When meeting patients, Minister of Social Affairs found several patients who were still young.  Minister of Social Affairs also asked the patient's parents to bring their other children to be examined and remember that cataracts can also occur due to hereditary factors.

"Please take your children to the hospital to be examined," said Minister Risma to Suyati (32), a patient with quite severe cataracts who was asked by Minister of Risma to be referred to a hospital in Makassar.

Seeing the patient's anxiety, Minister of Social Affairs ensured that if further treatment was needed, Ministry of Social Affairs would try to help thoroughly.  Apart from facilitating follow-up procedures in Makassar, this includes covering their accommodation during the treatment process.  Patients and companions can stay overnight at Ministry of Social Affairs hall without being charged a penny.

In another story, Herman (50), a transmigrant from Tasikmalaya who has lived on Buru Island since 1979, is currently taking his two families for free cataract surgery.  Herman is very grateful for free cataract surgery being held on Buru Island.  He didn't have to travel seven hours to Ambon.

"There are no eye doctors here. If you want to have a check-up you have to go to Ambon by boat for about seven hours. Therefore, we are very grateful that Ministry of Social Affairs provided a free surgery," said Herman gratefully.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs