What People Are Saying About Free Cataract Surgery From MoSA

Palembang, 25 November 2023 – Cataract surgery is a crucial procedure that helps individuals maintain their visual capabilities. However, for families with limited income, receiving free cataract surgery not only improves their vision but also has a profound effect on their overall quality of life. Cataract surgery has emerged as a key focus for the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) nationwide. Another city worth mentioning is Palembang, located in South Sumatra.

One of the participants, Bahrin (57), has been patiently awaiting the opportunity to receive cataract surgery free of charge. Since last month, his visual ability has significantly declined due to a sudden cataract. Bahrin's ability to identify objects is limited to a range of 1 meter.

Bahrin's condition has severely impacted his ability to perform his daily tasks. He required assistance with eating and was unable to attend work. While he still has a school-aged child, his wife is currently unemployed.

That's why when he learned about the opportunity for free cataract surgery, he immediately agreed. Despite the long 4-hour drive from his house to Palembang. Bahrin resides in East Baturaja, a region in Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) regency, South Sumatera. His cataract surgery was a success on Friday (24/11).

Bahrin received numerous phone calls from his friends in OKU after they learned about his free surgery. Due to this, he expresses his desire for the program to be sustained and extended to a larger number of recipients.

While in Palembang, Bahrin and his family were provided with accommodation facilities by the MoSA Technical Unit Budi Perkasa Center. The package includes a shared living space, dining options, and convenient transportation to the medical facility. There are over 19 patients and their families from outside Palembang who have been provided with similar amenities as Bahrin.

“The service here is excellent; the place is nice and clean. We are given meals and drinks. Even we got groceries,” said Bahrin’s wife, Rusma Herlina (45), who accompanied Bahrin to Palembang.

Rusma was filled with excitement when she first learned about the opportunity for free cataract surgery. As someone who has a family member with cataracts, she strongly urges others to take part in the program because of the convenience she experienced.

"To all people, do not hesitate to participate in the program." I'm glad to hear that it was beneficial. And there is absolutely no charge, so you don't need to worry about the cost," Rusma reassured.

MoSA recently coordinated a successful event at dr. Muhammad Hoesin Hospital Palembang, where free cataract surgeries were provided. The honorable presence of Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini added to the significance of the occasion. The surgery was conducted on November 24 and 25, 2023, and a total of 101 patients were involved. There were 51 female patients and 50 male patients.

The patients were from various locations including Palembang City, Banyuasin, Ogan Komering Ulu, Ogan Komering Ilir, Ogan Komering Ulu Selatan, and Empat Lawang. MoSA's Budi Perkasa Palembang Center provided accommodation for patients from outside Palembang. A total of 19 patients and their companions were provided with accommodation at the center.

This cataract surgery initiative is a joint effort involving RSUP dr. M. Hoesin, the Indonesian Eye Doctors Association (Perdami), and YPP SCTV Indosiar.