Cataract operation for free

Cataract operation for free

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: As many as 321 low-income cataract patients have been nominated to receive free operations under a plan initiated by the provincial Social Welfare Coordinating Body (BK3S).

BK3S chairwoman Mrs. Darmadi CH said on Tuesday said that the operations started on Tuesday.

The 321 patients were from Maros and Gowa regencies, she said. "The program will stop at the beginning of the Muslim fasting month on Nov. 16, and will continue in December."

According to Darmadi, the surgery was being carried out by a team of doctors at the Makassar Mayoralty Health Office.

Darmadi said the activity was being sponsored by private foundations, which expected some 500 patients.

Before being put on the waiting list the patients first need to visit a local community health center to verify that they require cataract surgery. --Antara