#OperationRestoreVision clears up backlog at Mankweng Hospital
30 Patients' vision was restored by a team of ophthalmologists who decided to embark on a project called #OperationRestoreVision, aimed at clearing the ophthalmic backlog of surgical cases.
POLOKWANE – Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba recently paid a visit to 30 patients at Mankweng Hospital. Their vision was restored by a team of ophthalmologists who decided to embark on a project called #OperationRestoreVision, aimed at clearing the ophthalmic backlog of surgical cases.
The backlog was as a result of the province losing a number of medical specialists.
The MEC was humbled by stories of patients sharing how their family members ill-treat some of them. The MEC thanked the doctors for their great work and also their supportive clinicians, nurses, optometrists and pharmacists who despite being off duty, agreed to participate in this project.
She took the time to visit the main theater, where a team was busy with five gynaecology cases and another team were busy with four general surgery cases. The MEC thanked everyone involved in the project including the cleaners.
“The Ophthalmology Department of Mankweng Hospital is a family of doctors, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists, clerks and general assistants, passionate about eye-care. We have decided to operate every weekend in March, as part of reducing the surgical backlog in our department and province.
“So far we have managed to restore sight, dignity and hope to 107 patients and their families. It is a very fulfilling experience for all of us.
“We are planning to continue for the next two weekends, to bring the miracle of sight to our patients,” explained Matome Mawasha, Limpopo Department of Health Acting Spokesperson.
