Locals eye a brighter future thanks to Health MEC
Provincial MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba said people who abuse family members suffering from eye problems will be brought to book
LIMPOPO – MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, encouraged families of people who live with various chronic eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma to take them to hospitals for treatment to ensure they get the help they need.
Ramathuba made this statement during the Cataract Week celebrations held at Mankweng Hospital on Friday. Cataracts are a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.
Ramathuba said her department is committed to ensuring that the people of the province receive the best eye care services possible to improve their lives for the better.
“As a department, our job is to ensure we restore the quality of life to our people and we do not doubt that we have capable doctors that can deal with eye conditions such as cataracts,” she says.
“If you have family members who experience eye problems, take them to a hospital as they may have glaucoma, cataracts or another eye condition,” she said.
“Through our treatments, we have extended the lives of patients whose families gave up on them,” she continued.
She warned families who abuse their children and pensioners who suffer from various chronic diseases to refrain from doing so, stating: “we will work hand-in-hand with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in ensuring that those who rob and abuse their families living with eye problems, rot in jail”.
Pensioner Paulina Ragophana (77), from Mamotintane section in Turfloop says she lived with cataracts for many years, however she’s happy that today, she can see colour again.
“The hospital has played a huge role in me getting my sight back,” Ragophana said.
