MANADO (19 December 2020) - As a form of social solidarity, the Ministry of Social Affairs is helping 50 cataract patients at the Olly Dondokambey Eye Clinic Steven Kandouw (OSDK) Manado. The aid is in the form of surgery and free cataract treatment.

Representing the Minister of Social Ad Interim, Muhadjir Effendy, Director General of Social Empowerment, Edi Suharto, said surgery and medical aid for cataract patients was a concrete manifestation social solidarity in difficult times.

"This is the proof of social solidarity true meaning, that in difficult times like today, all elements, all levels of society move to participate in reducing the burden on society," said Edi while visiting the OSDK Eye Clinic in Manado, Friday (18/12).

The aid was provided thanks to the cooperation of the Ministry of Social Affairs with several related sectors such as the Asia Muslim Charity Foundation (AMCF), the North Sulawesi branch of the Association of Indonesian Ophthalmologists (Perdami), and the North Sulawesi Provincial Social Service.

According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic should not be used as an excuse not to contribute to the alleviation of other problems.

"Even though COVID-19 still has to be the first priority to overcome, there are other types of diseases that cannot be overlooked and may need aids, such as this," added Edi.

Through the commemoration of the National Social Solidarity Day (HKSN) 2020, Edi hopes that the need for social solidarity and mutual cooperation can resonate throughout the country.

"These voices (solidarity) must be echoed so as to strengthen the unity, integrity and solidarity among all of us," he admitted hopefully.

Meanwhile, Willem Pinangkaan (68), one of the patients who had received free surgical treatment, admitted that he received information from social media.

"I got the information from social media that the Ministry of Social Affairs’ National Social Solidarity Day being held here (Manado) including free cataract surgery services. I immediately registered," he said.

Furthermore, he said that the registration mechanism was very easy. "I only need to call the number listed on the information and I was immediately scheduled to come today," he said.

With the operation aid and free medical treatment that Willem experienced that afternoon, he felt the need to express his gratitude to those who helped him through the free operation.

"Thank you to the Ministry of Social Affairs, thank you for caring for us who are affected by cataracts. Thank you to the doctors and clinics for their warm and unhindered service," he said happily.

The 2020 National Social Solidarity Day was marked by a series of activities since Friday (18/12) morning, starting from the Social Solidarity Month (BBKS) which included the distribution of basic food aid, PPE, disability aids, school supplies, and KUBE assistance. HKSN reaches its peak today (19/12) and the Minister of Social Affairs Ad Interim, Muhadjir Effendy is able to attend.

Public Relations 
Ministry of Social Affairs