MoSA Assists Hundreds of Elderly People in South Kalimantan with Free Cataract Surgery

BANJAR REGENCY (21 September 2023) - An elderly woman sits in a wheelchair. Her left eye had just been bandaged after undergoing cataract surgery. Accompanied by her children and grandchildren, Zumina listened to the medical staff's explanation about post-operative care.

This resident of Pingaran Ulu Village, Astambul District, Banjar Regency admitted that her vision was unclear for the past two years. "Both eyes are blurry, but the left eye is worse. I'm grateful that one eye has been operated on," said Zumina.

Zumina (73 yo) is one of 365 elderly patients from 4 cities/districts in South Kalimantan Province who took part in the screening process in the Cataract Surgery Social Service by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the SCTV Pundi Amal Peduli Kasih Foundation (YPP).

"Thank God, the second day of cataract surgery has arrived. 77 patients had undergone surgery yesterday," said Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini on Thursday (21/9/2023).

The Cataract Surgery Social Service was held at the Ratu Zalecha Regional General Hospital on September 20 - 22, 2023, in partnership with the Central and South Kalimantan Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association (PERDAMI).

The Minister urged the people to seek quick medical attention if they are experiencing vision problems.

"MoSA's task in this case is to prevent them from becoming visually impaired. Cataracts reduce daily productivity; don't wait until it's too late to treat them. There is no need to be concerned because patients can resume normal activities after one week of surgery," she assured.

The location of cataract surgery was randomly selected. MoSA and YPP SCTV held cataract surgeries in Ende Regency and Ternate Regency, with 200 and 277 patients attending, respectively.

"It turns out that many people in South Kalimantan also need cataract surgery. This activity can be carried out thanks to the support of the Regional Government and PERDAMI," the Minister stated.

The Minister also advised patients who had undergone surgery to carry out post-operative care.

"Don't lift anything heavy, ladies and gentlemen; instead, just ask your family for help. If you want to perform ablution, you can perform tayammum (dry ablution). Later you can see the bright light," said Risma.

Furthermore, Elderly participants including those who did not qualify for surgery during pre-operative screening were provided accommodation and essential nutritional support. This included stays at the Budiluhur Center in Banjarbaru and the Social Welfare Education and Training Center (BBPPKS) in Banjarmasin, along with provisions of milk, honey, biscuits worth IDR 500,000, and transportation assistance costs of IDR 150,000.

During this activity, the Minister also handed over certificates of appreciation to figures who were dedicated to supporting the implementation of Cataract Surgery Social Service in South Kalimantan Province.

Syaifullah Tamliha, a member of Commission VIII DPR RI expressed his appreciation for MoSA and YPP SCTV for organizing free cataract surgery in South Kalimantan Province.

"The people in South Kalimantan, especially the elderly, certainly feel very helped by the implementation of this social service. Thank you, Mrs. Risma. I hope the synergy between the central government, regional governments and other working partners continues," remarked Syaifullah.