10,000 need cataract operation

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: About 10,000 people with cataract throughout the province are badly in need of surgery, a local official said yesterday.

Chief of the provincial health office Slamet S. Harjosuwarno said many people suffering cataract cannot have proper medication due to the lack of a specialist.

He said he has been trying to cooperate with hospitals outside of the province to help deal with the disease that can cause blindness, Antara reported. (pan)