Hospital gives back

Four patients from disadvantaged communities were given the gift of clearer vision at the Life Bedford Gardens Hospital last Wednesday.

In celebrating Eye Care Awareness Month, which runs from September 23 to October 20, Ophthalmologist Dr Ebrahim Mia, offered his time and services free of charge to operate on patients.

Dr Mia said it is a job satisfaction for him to be able to restore sight to someone who would not have been able to afford to pay for cataract surgery.

He added that although he had lost count of how many of the operations he had performed, giving back to the community was rewarding for him.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Eva Masate, said she was grateful to have been identified as one the deserving patients.

The hospital’s manager, Dr Tertia Nieuwoudt, sang Dr Mia’s praises and said although it’s the hospital’s initiative to give free surgery to patients, its success was purely dependant on the doctors’ willingness.

“Dr Mia is not doing this for the first time and he was involved in identifying and the discerning of needy patients. We appreciate him and his anaesthesiologist for opening their hearts and lending a helping hand,” said Dr Nieuwoudt.

As part of the arrangement, Dr Nieuwoudt said the hospital provides facilities and accommodation while the doctor offers the service.

She added that the cost of both surgery and hospitalisation for all four patients was in the regions of R88 000.

Ms Janine Arendse, the hospital’s marketing manager, said the organisation was looking forward to more partnerships between the hospital and the doctors.

@Duenna_M