Social Minister Reviews Cataract Surgery Operations at Mandalika Hospital, Declares NTB a Priority

Social Minister (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) reviewed the cataract surgery process at Mandalika Hospital in Pujut Subdistrict, Central Lombok, on Friday (17/4/2026). Ipul stated that the number of people suffering from this eye disease continues to increase, particularly in NTB. Therefore, the Ministry of Social Affairs has listed Gumi Gora as a priority.

“We will collaborate again, we will work together. That’s why we are striving, and NTB is one of our priorities,” Ipul told the media after reviewing the cataract surgery process for hundreds of people from Central Lombok at Mandalika Hospital.

This year, the Ministry of Social Affairs targets treating more than 6,000 beneficiaries nationwide. “Specifically last year (2025), we were able to perform cataract surgeries for more than 6,000 beneficiaries. For this year, the target is, God willing, even larger than 6,000 in collaboration with other institutions to increase the number of beneficiaries,” he said.

Ipul explained that this cataract surgery programme is provided through collaborations established by the Ministry of Social Affairs with local governments across Indonesia. In addition, they are partnering with non-governmental organisations such as Filantropi Indonesia.

“This is one of the implementations of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ programmes in collaboration with regions and also with Filantropi. Every year, we indeed carry out social service cataract surgeries in various regions in Indonesia, one of which is in NTB,” he stated.

Ipul conveyed that this year his side will provide free treatment to 500 beneficiaries in NTB. Moreover, the same will be given to cataract sufferers in other regions, such as NTT and areas in Kalimantan.

“For this time, in April, we have allocated 500 beneficiaries in NTB, one of which is in Central Lombok,” added the PBNU General Secretary.

Ipul also assured that this programme will continue to be carried out every year by partnering with international organisations and local governments across Indonesia.

“God willing (it will continue) depending on the data received. If the data comes in for us to carry out, God willing, we will do it,” he emphasised.

Ipul stressed that the cataract surgery beneficiaries are not covered by BPJS. The funding allocated to handle this comes from assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs in collaboration with other parties. “This is outside BPJS; this is health rehabilitation assistance that is not yet covered by BPJS,” emphasised the man who served two terms as deputy governor of East Java.