Referred To Makassar, Susanti Can't Wait to See Again

BURU REGENCY (21 December 2023) - Susanti (43), couldn't stop smiling after hearing that Social Affairs Minister Risma would send her to Makassar to undergo free cataract surgery.  Instead of feeling afraid, Susanti can't wait for the day she can go to Makassar to receive further treatment.

"I was very happy when I heard that I would be referred to Makassar. It meant I could see again," said the woman who admitted that she had suffered from eye pain since childhood.

Starting from the visit of Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini to the Namlea Regional Hospital to review the implementation of free cataract surgery on Thursday (21/12), Minister of Social Affairs met with Susanti. Seeing her condition, Minister of Social Affairs was worried that the cataracts in both eyes were so severe that they would not be able to be treated at Namlea Regional Hospital.  Therefore, Minister of Social Affairs also appealed to Susanti to be referred to Makassar for further treatment.

"Mother, if for example there is a need for a follow-up here, we can't handle it, we will send it to Makassar. Then mother will come with us, we will bear all the costs," persuaded Minister Risma to Susanti.

But unexpectedly, Susanti didn't need to be persuaded.  This woman, who works as a housewife every day, has a very strong desire to be able to see clearly.  Her eyesight was so bad that it interfered with her daily activities.

"Even when I walk to a shop, I have to feel around. If I'm in a new place like this hospital, I have to be guided," she said.

During pre-surgery screening, Susanti's eyes were found to have problems.  Her left eye could no longer see at all, while her right eye could still see, although it was very unclear. 

This woman, who has suffered from an eye disease since childhood, admitted that she had never received formal education because her eye condition made it impossible for her to study.  Even if she doesn't know letters, Susanti only memorizes the nominal numbers of the money she usually uses to spend at the shop.  That's why when she found out that she would be taken to Makassar for further treatment, Susanti was very happy that there was a chance for her to recover.

"I am grateful, thank God there is a chance to recover. I am ready, not afraid at all," she said enthusiastically.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs