Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono observed implementation at Purwokerto Eye Hospital in Banyumas District on Friday, with the visit highlighting the importance of broader screening to obtain a more comprehensive picture of cataract prevalence in Indonesia.
"There are roughly 600,000 cataract cases in Indonesia. This number is derived from detected cases, while the actual figure is possibly much higher," he said after observing a screening activity at the hospital.
Dante noted that cataracts are a degenerative condition commonly associated with aging, adding that they can also be caused by diabetes and other eye disorders.
With that in mind, he said the government has been working to improve access to cataract surgery through financing schemes supported by state health insurer BPJS Kesehatan.
The deputy minister also highlighted Indonesia's cataract surgical rate of approximately 3,000 procedures per million population annually.
In that context, he said the government would continue working with BPJS Kesehatan to address disparities in cataract treatment capacity across regions in anticipation of growing demand in the future.
He also drew attention to the Free Health Checks program, which includes visual acuity testing. Dante explained that patients showing signs of deteriorating vision could undergo further examinations by ophthalmologists.
On the same occasion, United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri described the cataract surgery initiative involving the Emirati foundation as a testament to the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said the program had previously covered Kalimantan and would expand to other regions of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Noor Dubai Foundation CEO Manal Omran Taryam Al Shamsi said the initiative serves as both a preventive health measure and a community empowerment program.
She added that the activity enables 10-12 resident doctors to gain practical experience under the guidance of senior ophthalmologists.
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Translator: Sumarwoto, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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