Social Affairs Minister: Over 6,000 People have been Saved from Blindness

TULUNGAGUNG (22 November 2023) - The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) is focusing on one of its projects to deliver free cataract surgery to the community. This surgery is critical because if it is not performed on time, the cataract patient may become blind, rendering them unproductive, becoming a societal problem and a burden on their family.

"It’s the reason why MoSA's prioritize cataract surgery. Since my appointment in December 2020, more than 6,000 individuals have received cataract surgery to avert the risk of blindness," stated the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, when supervising the implementation of free cataract surgery in Tulungagung Regency, East Java, on Wednesday (22/11/2023).

Cataract surgery was performed in Tulungagung Regency, Malang Regency, Malang City, and Blitar Regency in East Java on Wednesday and Thursday, November 22-23, 2023. A total of 1,686 potential patients have enrolled for screening to establish their suitability for surgery. On Wednesday, Dr. Iskak Regional Hospital in Tulungagung Regency performed surgery on 94 patients who passed the screening test.

According to the Minister of Social Affairs, East Java was chosen at this time because, according to statistics from the Indonesian Eye Doctors Association (Perdami), cataract cases are very prevalent in East Java, particularly along the north shore and coastal areas. Sun exposure in coastal places is considered to be one of the reasons, however, there are other causes or variables including diabetes, age, genetics, and others.

"Not only East Java, free cataract operations are also carried out every month alternately throughout Indonesia," said the Minister.

MoSA coordinated this free cataract surgery in partnership with different parties, including the Indonesian Eye Doctors Association (Perdami), hospitals, and social organizations such as YPP SCTV Indosiar, among others.

MoSA believes that providing free cataract surgery is critical since the instances are only the tip of the iceberg. The number of reported cases is small, despite the fact that they are widespread across Indonesia. Cataracts should not be taken lightly since if treated too late, the person may become blind or have visual impairment.

"There are still many cataract sufferers who don’t pay much attention to their diseases, because of the cost factor and the horror of hearing the word surgery," said the Minister. In fact, cataract surgery is a quick and easy procedure with little side effects.

Cataract is a condition when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, disrupting vision. Cataract surgery will remove the cloudy eye lens, restoring the patient's eyesight to its original clarity and brightness.

Even though cataract surgery is considered a simple procedure, it causes several social issues, prompting the Ministry of Social Affairs to intervene. For example, many cataract patients reside distant from metropolitan regions, particularly those who live outside of Java. That is why cataract patients are initially transferred to MoSA centers spread across several locations for several days before the procedure is performed.

"MoSA helps by picking up prospective patients, accommodating them at the MoSA’s centers and taking them back to their place of origin," said the Minister. "Patients who have had surgery will have clear and bright vision again so they can be productive as before," the Minister added.

Meanwhile, paramedics at Dr Iskak Regional Hospital in Tulungagung were pleased to see Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini. They were honored when a minister came specifically to witness the partnership initiative between MoSA and Dr Iskak Regional Hospital for free cataract surgery. The Minister not only watched but also greeted and congratulated each doctor and medical workers participating in the procedure.

Supandi (88), a cataract surgery patient from Banjarsasri Village, Ngantru District, Tulungagung Regency, stated that the cataracts he had been suffering from for the past decade had impeded his everyday tasks as a farmer. "When I started pulling up grass, I couldn't see much of it. It was impossible to see people, and even when hoeing, you had to be cautious," he added, recounting his experiences.

As a result, he was overjoyed to be able to participate in free cataract surgery offered by the MoSA in partnership with Dr. Iskak Regional Hospital, as there was no cost involved. "Hopefully, my vision can be clear again," he remarked.