27 Sep 2025

The Elana Barraquer Foundation from Barcelona in Spain has successfully conducted eye cataract surgeries on 250 out of 450 patients who were expected to undergo the surgery at Scottish Livingstone Memorial Hospital in Molepolole.

Executive Director of the foundation, Dr Tete Ferreiro said on Friday that due to unforeseen circumstances and one of their doctors not being well, the team were not able to reach their target of 450 surgeries.

Acting Minister of Health Mr Lawrence Ookeditse, speaking during his visit to the hospital on Friday, appreciated the foundation for its support and tireless work of restoring eye sight of elderly people.

He said the ministry was overwhelmed by a backlog of patients needing cataract surgeries. He added that 477 successful surgeries were carried out in the past.

Mr Ookeditse said besides rendering service, the professionals would leave behind the state of art laboratory equipment for use by the local doctors, who had acquired necessary skills while working with the visiting professionals.

One of the patients, Mr Charles Kebaswele said expressed happiness that his sight would be restored and thanked government for providing necessary health services. ENDS