Ministry of Social Affairs Facilitates Free Cataract Surgery for 350 Elderly People

BOGOR (October 25, 2023) - A total of 350 residents of Bogor City and Regency and Lebak Regency, Banten underwent free cataract surgery at RSUD Ciawi Bogor and Dr. Hasri Ainun Habibie Eye Clinic. This time, the Ministry of Social Affairs collaborated with Yayasan Pundi Amal Peduli Kasih SCTV/Indosiar, Perdami (Indonesian Ophthalmologist Association), and the Bogor Regency Government.

When reviewing the surgery process at RSUD Ciawi, Bogor Regency, Wednesday (25/10) Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini emphasized the importance of the surgery being carried out as soon as possible. "The Ministry of Social Affairs routinely conducts cataract surgery every month because if it is too late, then they will become blind," she said.

Social Affairs Minister Risma said that the delay in handling cataract treatment could reduce the productivity of the patient and also his family or companion. With immediate treatment, it is hoped that both patients and their families can be more productive in living their daily lives.

During her visit, the Minister also had time to greet doctors, medical personnel, and patients undergoing surgery. Social Affairs Minister Risma also had time to invite the patients to have a joke to reduce their nervousness.

"Don't be afraid, ladies and gentlemen. It hurts a little like being pinched. But after that you can see the beautiful ones again," said Social Affairs Minister Risma who was greeted by laughter from the patients who were waiting for their turn to enter the operating room.

The number of cataract sufferers in Bogor City and Regency who were interested in participating in this activity reached more than 1,000 people. A total of 656 followed the pre-surgery screening process, and of these, 335 passed the screening and were able to undergo surgery.

The free cataract surgery at RSUD Ciawi was carried out in two sessions with a total of 135 patients undergoing surgery. On Wednesday (25/10) as many as 20 people had undergone surgery, and 115 people will undergo surgery on Sunday (29/10).

Meanwhile, the surgery at the Dr. Hasri Ainun Habibie Eye Clinic will be carried out by 200 patients. A total of 100 patients have undergone surgery on Wednesday (25/10), and another 100 will undergo surgery on Friday (27/10).

Rujiah (70) claimed to have suffered from cataracts since before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. The elder woman from Babakan often felt dizzy and teary-eyed because her eyes hurt. Rujiah was both happy and nervous to finally undergo cataract surgery that had been delayed due to the pandemic.

"To be honest, I don't have high blood pressure, but my blood pressure was a bit high. So that means I'm a bit tense. But I am very happy," said the woman who works as a housewife.