BLOEMFONTIEN – The Free State Department of Health has commenced with the undertaking to perform life-changing cataract surgeries to aid 130 persons as part of contributing to the eventful Nelson Mandela International Day observed on Friday, 18 July. The department’s team of surgeons began performing the first surgeries today – Saturday, 19 July – at the Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital in QwaQwa.
According to Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the department, the department plans to complete all 130 surgeries during July, which coincides with the birthday celebration of the late statesman Mandela.
The provincial MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, has volunteered to participate in the significant eye surgeries marathon at the Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital. He said the 130 surgeries underscore the department’s ongoing commitment to combat poverty and inequity, adding that it aligns with the theme of this year’s International Nelson Mandela Day: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”
Mahlatsi said the operations are a continued and concerted effort to reduce the backlog of patients on the waiting list to have surgeries to remove cataract, which is the leading cause of blindness globally.
“This initiative aims to provide essential eye care services to medically uninsured populations, emphasizing the importance of restoring human dignity and upholding human rights. This is highlighting the collective responsibility to ensure access to healthcare for all,” said Mahlatsi.
Last year the provincial department performed 500 cataract surgeries during October, set aside as Eye Care Awareness Month. This highlighted the importance of eye health and preventative measures.
