The Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Health on Monday launched an eye surgery camp and clinic targeting the population in Torit town and the other counties in the state.
According to officials, the campaign is supported by CORDAID in collaboration with the Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Health and will target people suffering from cataracts and other eye ailments.
Dr. Mustafa Lokouru, the medical director at Torit State Hospital, said the eye surgery camp is free of charge and that the hospital recently received consignments of medicine and a team of eye surgeons to run the campaign.
“We received the consignment of drugs and also the equipment for the operation because mostly they are going to deal with cataract surgeries and also all types of complications related to ophthalmology will treated. I think it is an opportunity for our citizens to access some sight services since it is very crucial and also free of charge,” he said. “The purpose is also to make sure those suffering from eye problems get a chance to come for treatment. Those who suffer from complications will be operated upon. The drugs are now available and we also have a surgeon in place, this is good news and we are all happy about that.”
“The eye clinic at the state hospital will receive patients from other counties and the program can treat up to a million patients,” Dr. Lokouro added.
A patient, Lina Itwari, expressed happiness and said she was ready to go and receive treatment at the eye clinic.
“Since I heard about the eye surgery campaign, I have been excited so I decided to come to the eye clinic to receive support because my eye problems have disturbed me a lot,” she said. “I can see close but not far. What is very important is for my eyes to see and I will be happy.”
For his part, Eneriko Jacob, a patient and the paramount chief in Torit County, applauded the government and its health partners for bringing the eye surgery camp and clinic close to the vulnerable population.
“I have eye problems and I went up to Juba and an operation was done on my right eye but the operation was not successful that is why I continue going to the Hospital here in Torit so that it is rectified,” he stated. “This program is good because it will make those with eye problems see again. We thank them (surgeons) for coming to Torit to help those suffering from eye problems.”
“We want them to establish a treatment center here in Torit to treat blind people,” Chief Jacob added.