Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has undergone successful eye surgery performed by a predominantly young team of medical professionals at St John Eye Clinic in Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg.

Yesterday, the Department of Health announced that the minister had been experiencing ongoing vision problems that required surgical intervention and had spent several months on the waiting list before the procedure.

According to the department, St John Eye Clinic is one of the country’s public eye clinics, providing treatment for various eye conditions, including retinal issues, glaucoma, and corneal problems.

Following his surgery, Motsoaledi urged members of the public to undergo regular eye tests to maintain eye health and detect serious eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma early, which can lead to preventable vision loss or blindness.

“The minister also wanted to lead by example that public health facilities are not meant for certain groups of people, but all South Africans, and provide quality healthcare despite longer waiting times at times,” the department said.

Meanwhile, collaboration between the department and Transnet to improve access to eye care services through the Phelophepa Healthcare Train continues. The train travels across the country, offering free eye tests and affordable glasses, among other health services.

“This is part of the taking health services to the people programme, which is crucial for the country to achieve universal health coverage, ensure equitable access to quality healthcare, reduce health inequalities, and improve population health outcomes,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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