Social Affairs Minister Gives Award to the Medical Team for Cataract Surgery at RSUD Dr Iskak

TULUNGAGUNG (22 November 2023) - The presence of the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini at Dr Iskak Tulungagung elicited excitement among the paramedics. They were honored when a minister arrived particularly to see the collaboration project between the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and Dr Iskak Regional Hospital for free cataract surgery.

After directly viewing the procedure, the Minister presented a certificate of recognition and conveyed gratitude to the medical team involved.

"I am grateful for the extraordinary eye doctors. We don't pay them, but they are willing to operate willingly," said the Minister, appreciating the doctors and all medical personnel.

"This is the first time Dr Iskak Regional Hospital has collaborated with MoSA and Perdami in free cataract surgery.  Of course, it is a privilege for us to serve the community," stated Dr Zuhrotul Aini, Deputy Director of Services at RSUD Dr Iskak in Tulungagung Regency, East Java.

According to Dr Zuhrotul Aini, in Tulungagung there are many cataract cases. However, people are reluctant to undergo surgery because it is expensive. In one operation, the expenditures might exceed IDR 4 million. This circumstance is undoubtedly a strain for those who wish to have surgery.

"The number of cataract cases in Tulungagung Regency is high. As a result, we are quite happy for this collaborative initiative since it benefits the community," stated dr. Aini. This collaboration was established between MoSA, Dr Iskak Regional Hospital and the Indonesian Eye Doctors Association (Perdami).

Doctor Aini explained that the cataract surgery program initiated by MoSA and Perdami would speed up cataract treatment in Tulungagung Regency. Cataract is a condition when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, disrupting vision. If left untreated, vision problems can get worse and even cause blindness.

Cataract surgery will remove the cloudy eye lens, restoring the patient's eyesight to its original clarity and brightness. Cataract surgery is a quick and easy procedure with little side effects.

The doctors and nurses of RSUD Dr Iskak were happy during the cataract procedures because they felt pleased when Social Minister Risma presented them with the award. Doctor Aini explained that the paramedics at RSUD Dr Iskak believe this is a dream. Doctors and nurses who performed cataract procedures were summoned one by one and presented with awards personally from Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini.

"This is fantastic. The Social Affairs Minister praised our work. This award has provided us with tremendous motivation.” Doctor Aini remarked, "This is extraordinary."