The Free State Department of Health has committed to performing cataract surgeries on approximately 500 patients from October 1 to November 1. It is expected that 30 surgeries will be conducted each day.
These procedures take place from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays reserved for managing individual cases and completing administrative tasks to prepare clinical spaces for the next intake.
The program has been running relatively smoothly so far, although extraordinary measures are being implemented to ensure it stays on track despite disruptions caused by the changing health conditions of patients.
From October 1 to October 11, the program has successfully restored sight to 156 individuals whose lives were impacted by cataracts.
According to a department spokesperson, despite challenges such as high blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes among patients, the department is committed to performing as many surgeries as possible each day. She mentioned that the planning team is considering increasing the number of surgeries scheduled for each day to ensure they remain close to their daily targets, even if not every patient can be accommodated.
The Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, visited the National District Hospital, where these surgeries are performed by specialized teams of ophthalmologists and ophthalmic nurses from Universitas Academic Hospital. Mahlatsi expressed appreciation for the staff’s dedication, noting their efforts to reduce the long waiting list, which extends to 2026, and restore sight to many individuals.
These long waiting lists are a national concern, as many people lose their sight and require cataract surgeries.
