Marabahan, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini has helped 320 underprivileged residents to undergo free cataract surgery at H. Abdul Aziz General Hospital in Marabahan, Barito Kuala (Batola) District, South Kalimantan.
Risma, accompanied by acting Regent of Batola Mujiyat, directly inspecting the assistance program at the hospital in Marabahan, Wednesday.
The Ministry collaborated with the Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association and Himpunan Bersatu Teguh and Erha Klinik to provide free cataract surgery for Batola residents.
The two organization deployed 10 eye specialist doctors, six from Jakarta, three from Banjarmasin, and one from Marabahan.
These doctors treated patients using sophisticated tools by means of suction so it was faster and did not cause injury.
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Minister Risma said the number pf patients was 320, but 60 of them suffered from "Pterygium" or growth of membranes on the surface of eyball.
The former Mayor of Surabaya explained that there were cataract sufferers who were still children, so officers were asked to pick up these patients for early examination.
“So, we have learned the young men have pterygium. It is not cataract. Pterygium is usually caused by irritation when exposed to sun, dust, and so on,” said Risma.
Meanwhile, acting Regent of Batola Mujiyat appreciated Minister Risma who was quite enthusiastic about the condition of the district community.
“It turns out that the Minister provided assistance for ducks, chickens, and planned assistance for tractors in Sungai Pitung Village and Barambai. Of course this really excites the people in Barito Kuala," he said.
Social Affairs Minister visited Barito Kuala for two days, Tuesday-Wednesday (June 11-12, 2024).
She also handed over packages of basic necessities, wheelchairs, walking sticks, walkers, tripods, hearing aids and magnifying glasses to 250 beneficiaries.
In addition, the Minister provided phyisiotherap to children with special needs by presenting 20 therapist at the Regent's Office Hall.
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