Social Affairs Minister Assists 277 Ternate Residents with Cataract Surgery

TERNATE (15 August 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, who was in Ternate for the second time, greeted people who had cataract surgery. From the results of the selection of 428 patients who registered, 277 people were declared operable.

The patients came from Ternate City, Tidore Islands and Halmahera Island. "Thank God, it can be realized today. However, due to the large number of patients, we normally do it for two days, maybe three days in some places. Because there are a lot of them, perhaps three days worth. In some areas, a flag ceremony was held before surgery," stated the Minister on Tuesday (15/8).

Cataract surgery is very important to prevent blindness. According to the Minister, if it is not treated immediately, it will have a cascading effect on cataract patients and their families.

"Cataracts must be treated immediately since they can cause blindness. The problem is if they are blind then they become dependent on other people. We have to consider that other people also need activities to live a normal life," said the Minister.

The Minister said that the number of patients participating in surgery will continue to increase. This was obtained during dialogue with patients. They told the Minister directly that there were still many of their relatives who needed cataract surgery.

Following up on the community's aspirations, the Minister directed the relevant Centers to register and welcome persons in need of surgery. "Many people still recommend their relatives. We're hoping to do it in three days because they're on the islands where we have to pick them up," stated the Minister.

The Minister ensures that patients who travel from outside the island are accommodated by providing a guest house at the Wasana Bahagia Center in Kelumata Ternate. The Minister also facilitated the surgery of a four-year-old kid with congenital cataracts in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

"We found one child patient who couldn't be treated here. So we will refer the child to Makassar. I also asked the father and mother to be examined because if the child has cataracts, usually it is hereditary," she explained.

Meanwhile, Salma Salaula (58), a cataract surgery patient from Sofifi, stated that the surgery was beneficial to her. Previously, the cataracts in her black eyes had developed, making it impossible for her to see objects at a distance of two meters. This middle-aged working woman was contacted by the Minister. "Earlier, the Minister asked me not to lift heavy weights, bend over, or get my eyes hit by water," she said.

Since her appointment, the Minister has routinely facilitated cataract surgeries throughout Indonesia. According to her, individuals suffering from cataracts are among the Ministry of Social Affairs' target beneficiaries because she found that many underprivileged people need surgery but have given up their intention because of the cost.

Even with a limited budget, the Minister was able to invite the private sector to collaborate to assist those in need. The Minister worked with the Pundi Amal Peduli Kasih SCTV/Indosiar Foundation, the Indonesian Eye Specialist Association (Perdami), the Ar Rahmah Clinic Ternate, the Azzura Clinic Ternate, the Ternate City Government, and the North Maluku Provincial Government to provide cataract surgery in Ternate. As a gesture of gratitude, the Minister presented awards to 12 people who contributed to the cataract surgery process in Ternate.

The Governor of North Maluku Abdul Ghani Kasuba, Chairman of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) of North Maluku Province Kuntu Daud, Chief Executive of YPP Abas Yahya, Head of North Maluku Province Social Office Zen Kasim, Director of Elderly Rehabilitation Supomo, and Head of Traffic Unit Assistant Commissioner of Police Rezza Muhammad Fajrin were also present at this activity.