PARIGI MOUTONG (10 March 2024) – The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), in collaboration with the Local Government of Parigi Moutong Regency, Indonesian Ophthalmologist Association (PERDAMI), and the Teguh Bersatu Association, organized a Cataract Surgery Social Service.


Cataract surgery, which is free of charge/free, was performed at Anuntaloko Regional Hospital on 9th and 10th March 2024, for poor and underprivileged people with cataracts.


The Indonesian Social Affairs Minister, Tri Rismaharini, paid a working visit to Parigi Moutong Regency to see the implementation of cataract surgery social services at Anuntaloko Regional Hospital. 


"Initially, I came here before there was a distribution of social assistance. It turned out when I met many residents who couldn't see, so we tried to prepare it with Dr. Andreas in no time," Risma said.


According to data as of 10 March 2024, more than 230 patients have undergone surgery.


"The eye surgery activity that we carried out in Parigi was at the invitation of the Minister of Social Affairs, and we are now using the Phacoemulsification eye tool (cataract surgery without sutures) so that patients can go home without any stitches," explained Dr. Andreas Sofyandi, Head of the Cataract Surgery Social Service Team.


This cataract surgery involved 18 medical personnel, six specialist doctors, six ophthalmic nurses, four geomatics technicians, and two local doctors.


Cataract surgery patients were overjoyed that this social service was free, as cataract surgery is often fairly expensive.


"I got information about this cataract surgery from a friend. Two years ago, I thought my eyes couldn't see clearly because of the dirt/mud. I thought it was normal since I am a farmer. Thank you, Minister, for this free social service," said Naswin (55), a resident of Bambalemo village, Parigi, Parigi Moutong District.


MoSA also handed over basic food packages to all cataract surgery patients.


On the same occasion, the Minister presented a certificate of appreciation to the Regent of Parigi Moutong, the Regional Secretary of Parigi Moutong, the Head of the Parigi Moutong District Health Office, the Head of the Parigi Moutong District Social Office, the Director of Anuntaloko Hospital, the Anuntaloko Hospital Health Worker Team, and the Teguh Bersatu Team for their contributions to cataract surgery.