services
11 October 2007
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has been awarded with two floating
trophies for cataract surgery improvement in the Eastern Cape and for the most
improved services to older persons for 2006/07 in a blissful event attended by
hundreds of people at the Emakhuzeni Village in Alice today, 11 October
2007.
In response to the national requirement that provinces should establish Low
Vision Services in at least one district, the Eastern Cape province also
launched low vision services at the same event.
Delivering her address, the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
said the event for the Department was an indication of the commitment of the
government to improving the quality of life of all people and the ability to
recognise and reward commitment, dedication and good work.
She also mentioned that this was the first launch of low vision services in
the province and it was in line with the Strategic Plan of the Department
"which requires these services to be available in at least one district per
province by March 2008."
The trophies were the first to be awarded for cataract and geriatrics
services with the Eastern Cape Department of Health being the first to be
awarded with both trophies at the same time.
The MEC for Health Mrs N Jajula also joined the crowd of people (most of
them elderly citizens) and encouraged those who have problems with their
eyesight to come forward to eliminate avoidable blindness.
According to Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, the set target for cataract
surgery for 2005 was 1 000 cataract operation per million population and in
2004 the target was already passed by a figure of 1 039 and in 2005, the figure
was 1 030 again above the set target.
During the event, three low vision patients were given magnifiers to assist
their eyesight and they were very thankful to the department that it was now
possible for them to read as it was not the case before.
The process of training personnel at all levels including community health
workers and traditional practitioners has started and optometry posts are being
established to get the District ready for the low vision services.
The Minister acknowledged and applauded the successes achieved and
encouraged the Eastern Cape Department of Health teams to work harder to ensure
that this wonderful performance is sustained. Sidumise Madyibi.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
11 October 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
