The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Post Correspondent —
A TOTAL of 80 people with eye cataracts in Chipinge benefitted from free operations carried out in the district last week.
A team of eye surgeons from Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Hospital led by Dr Archbold Kufa and Dr Bonwell Macheka who is also Government ophthalmologists conducted the operations
The programme was sponsored by Hindu Prayer Group in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Council for the blind.
Dr Kufa said the Hindu Society donated operational kits and all other logistics were met by well-wishers.
“We are here in Chipinge District as volunteers. We are here to plough back to the community. I sacrificed my resources and expertise to come here to help the community of Chipinge,” said the team leader, Dr Kufa.
The event was also bankrolled by the Chipinge business community. Acting Chipinge District Medical Officer, Dr Brian Makumbe, expressed gratitude at the local business community that participated and donated towards the success of the programme.
“I am running short of words to thank Chipinge Lodges Group that made this programme a success. May this kind of spirit continue in all forthcoming health-related programmes,” said Dr Makumbe
He also thanked Dr Kufa and his team for coming to the district’s rescue since he was also concerned about the cataract burden in Chipinge. Some patients who were interviewed expressed joy after regaining their sight.
One of the patients, Sirdar Mapungwana who was blind for 10 years, said he could not believe that he was seeing again.
“I cannot believe this. I have been blind for many years and life was very difficult for me. I want to thank to the doctors and everyone who made me see again because I was like a dead man walking,” said an elated Mapungwana.
Mrs Favorite Mlambo also expressed happiness over the programme.
“This is a miracle to me because I was pessimistic that one day I could see again. I am urging all cataract patients to attend future programmes of this nature for them to benefit,” she said.
Those who contributed and donated accommodation for the surgical team include The Deplaza Lodge, Chipinge Breezes Lodge and Chipinge Lodges which are owned by House of Assembly for Chipinge Central, Cde Ray Machingura.
Chikisa Bakeries also donated bread, milk and sugar for the programme. Eye cataract operations are beyond the reach of many people.
It costs more than $600 in private hospitals and around $140 in public hospitals of which this cost is subsidised by Non-Governmental Organisations. Cataracts are the major cause of blindness in the world and let alone in Chipinge.
