PARIGI MOUTONG (13 March 2024) - Roya (35) was thrilled, and her smile widened as she glanced at her twins multiple times, as if she couldn't believe she was seeing her children for the first time. Yes, Roya has been unable to see for three years since giving birth to her twins.


"When I was pregnant, everything was fine, but after I gave birth, my eyes began to blur, and I haven't seen anything in three years," Roya explained after receiving free cataract surgery from the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) at Anuntaloko Regional Hospital in Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi.


Roya had high blood pressure at the time she gave birth to her twins. This condition causes the eyes to lose their ability to see.


The challenging economic situation also prevented her from completing her treatment. "There is no cost to see the doctor. My husband is a farmer, and I am just a housewife," she explained.


Roya went through a screening process after hearing from the locals that MoSA was providing free cataract surgery. Roya had her right eye operation first, on 9 March 2024. Roya's surgery went well, and she can now see.


Roya received another left eye surgery on 10 March 2024. "Thank God, thank you, doctor, I can now see again," Roya exclaimed gratefully.


Roya never stopped smiling when she greeted Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini at Anuntaloko Regional Hospital on Sunday, October 3. The minister was very pleased to see it.


Not to mention, the Minister recommended Roya's husband keep Roya's condition stable after surgery. "Sir, ma'am, don't carry the child and don't lift heavy things for one week," the Minister asked.


MoSA responded fast to organize cataract surgery social services in Parigi Moutong Regency within three days of the Minister's arrival.


This was done after the Minister noticed a large incidence of cataract cases among persons in the Parigi Moutong district and its surrounds.


"When there was an agenda to come here, it turned out that many people couldn't see, so the initiative to schedule cataract surgery with Dr. Andreas took only 3 days, even though previously it took 2-3 weeks to prepare," said the Minister.


The Minister stated that this free cataract surgery social service activity was carried out and ran smoothly thanks to the collaboration of several parties, including the Local Government of Parigi Moutong Regency, the Association of Indonesian Ophthalmologists (PERDAMI), and the Teguh Bersatu Association.


On 9-10 March 2024, a total of 223 people suffering from cataracts had the opportunity to have cataract surgery for free.