Over three hundred people suffering from eye cataracts were operated in Warrap State’s Tonj South County between last Friday and yesterday, Wednesday, according to a health official.
Dr. Joseph Maker, a medical doctor, told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that the surgical camp run by Indeed and Truth Organization will last a week, ending on Friday, and that they have already performed 375 operations.
“We are currently doing cataract operations in Tonj South Hospital and it is going on well. We operated only 12 patients on the first day (last Friday), 79 on the second day, on the third day we operated 101 and 183 over the last few days, and that made a total of 375 successful cataract operations,” he said. “Some patients have cataracts associated with comma, a condition where the eye has pressure. Some patients cannot be operated on because they have underlying issues like uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes so we have to send them to the hospital for control before they are operated upon. Some of these conditions led to some people not qualifying for the eye operations.”
Some patients who underwent surgery and regained their sight expressed joy and said that their lives will now improve as they will be productive.
Bol Makuec, a patient from Makuec Payam in Tonj East County whose procedure was successful, said he can now go back to farming and be able to take care of his cattle.
“I was blind for four years and I came to the hospital and I am regaining my sight and now seeing people and other things,” he beamed. “The doctors did their part and they opened my eyes yet people thought I would never see again. So, I am very happy today.”
Another patient, Asunta Ajoou, said she was overjoyed to see her children.
“I could not see for three years and today (Wednesday) I underwent surgery and can now see my little ones, especially my daughter who was born when I was blind,” she said. “It is like I have been reborn and I can now start cultivating again.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Barach Malith, the Warrap State minister of health, thanked Indeed and Truth Organization for the cataract surgery camp and said it has benefited many people.
“The operations have been going on for the last four days in Tonj South County and I appreciate our partners, Indeed and Truth organization, for helping our people to regain their sight,” he said. “Cataract is simple but in the third world, it negatively contributes to poverty. I am calling on other health partners to come in and reduce the gaps.”