31 Oct 2023

Ten ophthalmologists from the Spain-based Elena Barraquer Foundation are in the country to operate on over 400 patients in dire need of cataract surgery to restore their sight.

The foundation has partnered with the Ngami District Health Management Team (DHMT) to restore patients’ sight and improve their quality of life.

Speaking at the launch of  a week-long cataract surgery campaign at Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital, Minister of Health, Dr Edwin Dikoloti said there were over 9 000 patients awaiting cataract surgery with more than 600 of them coming from Ngamiland.

He said his ministry was working round the clock to turn around the situation and that the campaign was part of the initiative to address the backlog.  

He noted that cataracts were the major cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide, adding that they also exacerbated the risk of dementia.

Dr Dikoloti said the campaign would improve the eye health of people within Ngami DHMT, noting that other DHMTs would also send their patients.

The minister noted there was  shortage of experts in eye health and that Ngami DHMT was one of the lucky few to have an ophthalmologist.

He said there were seven ophthalmologists in the public sector and that only two were Batswana. He noted that in the private sector there were only 10 ophthalmologists and 50 ophthalmic nurses in the public sector.

He said coming to Ngamiland was part of the ministry’s  campaign to bring services closer to all people, including those living in hard to reach areas.

Dr Dikoloti also thanked Project Sanitise Maun for lending the hospital 100 beds to cater for patients.

Ngami DHMT coordinator, Dr Sandra Maripe-Ebutswe said the partnership with the foundation started last year through Dr Jane Lackey of Love Botswana Organisation. She said they showed interest to conduct the operations, an idea that was  welcomed.

She noted that the foundation was also assisting 10 other countries.  Maun East MP, Mr Goretse Kekgonegile appreciated the campaign, saying it would improve his constituents eye health.

He thanked the ministry for bringing services closer and forging partnerships that benefited communities. ENDS