BELU REGENCY (18 December 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini is intensifying free cataract surgery activities throughout Indonesia.  In the last month, Ministry of Social Affairs' free cataract surgery was held in Papua, South Kalimantan, South Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara and it was the turn of residents on the border of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Timor Leste.

This free cataract surgery in NTT was held because of the high number of cataract cases in the province.

Ministry of Social Affairs' free cataract surgery was held at the Marianum Catholic Hospital (RSKM) Halilulik in Atambua, Belu Regency, while patients came from South Central Timor Regency, North Timor Regency, Malaka Regency and Alor Regency.

Minister of Social Affairs said the cataract surgery in Atambua was part of the commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (HDI) and National Social Solidarity Day (HKSN).  In the border area, Minister of Social Affairs chose RSKM in Halilulik because its location is in the middle of the Belu Regency area.

"You have to look for a place in the middle because if it's too far, it's a shame because on average cataract patients are elderly, so that's why we looked for a place in the middle that can be easily accessed by others, we found this hospital," said  Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini Monday (18/12) afternoon while witnessing the implementation of Ministry of Social Affairs' free cataract surgery at the Marianum Catholic Hospital (RSKM) Halilulik in Atambua, Belu Regency.

In carrying out this free cataract surgery, Ministry of Social Affairs is collaborating with RSKM Halilulik, Himpunan Bersatu Teguh and ERHA Clinic.

A total of 780 people from various regions in NTT registered to undergo cataract surgery.  In the initial stage, as of Sunday, 116 people had passed the screening.  This number will continue to increase because registration and screening are still open until Wednesday (20/12).

Apart from carrying out free cataract surgery, Ministry of Social Affairs also facilitates pterygium surgery, an eye disease characterized by the growth of a membrane on the white part of the eyeball that can reach the cornea.  A total of 21 patients have received surgery.  Ministry of Social Affairs is targeting a quota of 350 cataract surgery patients and 50 pterygium surgery patients.

Because patients come from various regions, for people from outside Atambua, Ministry of Social Affairs has prepared accommodation in the Halilulik Spiritu Santis Spiritu (SSpS) Monastery hall and at the Halilulik Holy Spirit Parish Catholic Church.

Ministry of Social Affairs together with the Social Office and Tagana of Belu Regency also prepared 170 velbeds and established a public kitchen that can provide 500 portions of food.  Ministry of Social Affairs, through Efata Center in Kupang, also prepared 7 wheelchairs, 1 ambulance, and 3 tents.  Meanwhile, RSKM prepared 8 wheelchairs.