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Partnership sees millions regaining eyesight - Newsroom - 10-10-2013
Anna Maluleke, 67, from Brits use to cook for herself and look after her grandchildren without any problems, but when she lost her vision in May, her life took a turn for the worst.
But thanks to a Public Private Sector Partnership, Maluleke’s eyesight has been restored after undergoing a cataract surgery.
On Thursday, Malukeke was among four patients operated on at the Medforum Medi Clinic. On Wednesday, 21 other patients also underwent cataract surgeries at the clinic.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Gwen Ramokgopa visited the hospital over the two-days to observe the procedure, which started with cataracts being removed from the patients.
The Public Private Sector Partnership is an agreement between the Health Ministry and the task team on Eye Health, appointed to re-invigorate and implement Vision 20/20 to curtail the waiting list of cataract surgeries.
Speaking to SAnews after the operation, an elated Maluleke said it was very difficult to accept her blindness as she couldn’t do anything.
“I used to go to church especially on Thursdays but I stopped due to my blindness. But with my eyesight back, I will now be able to do house chores and cook for myself, just like I used to. I don’t know how to thank the government and the hospital for restoring my vision, this is much appreciated,†said Maluleke.
Ramokgopa said through the partnership, they call on South Africans to be aware that 80% of blindness is preventable and encourage them to go for screening.
“We’ve agreed with all provinces to do 1 500 cataract per 1 million population. We are already encouraged that in 2011/2012, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Western Cape and Free State achieved and exceeded that target. Through this partnership, we are renewing it so that everyone can contribute. Throughout the country there are cataract operations that are done on a partnership basis,†Ramokgopa said.
She added that the private sector has a role to play and the department appreciates this partnership. “Since 1997, on the public sector platform more than 500 000 cataract operations have been done and we want to build on the success.â€
President of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and a leading eye specialist practicing at Medforum Medi Clinic, Dr Kgao Legodi said the partnership aims to help those patients who can’t afford to do the operation at a private hospital.
“Also we as doctors in private hospitals can go to the public hospitals and assist, where we can,†said Dr Legodi.
The Department of Health dedicates 23 September - 20 October as Eye Health Awareness Month.
Today marks the World Sight/Eye Care Awareness Day recognised by the Department of Health as a significant day in the health sector.
The aim of the day is to raise public awareness of blindness and vision impairment as major international public health issues.
It also influences governments, particularly health ministers, to participate in and designate funds for national blindness prevention programs.
The day also educates target audiences about blindness prevention, about Vision 2020 and its activities, and to generate support for Vision 2020 program activities. – SAnews.gov.za