By Mercy Nimo
In order to offer support to patients suffering from cataracts, the government of Ghana, in collaboration with the Chinese and other foundations, has launched a free surgery project dubbed the minimally invasive project to offer free surgery to 150 cataract patients every year. The ¢430,000 Charity Fund was launched at the Lekma hospital in Accra.
Authorities in the Health Sector say about 94 million people globally are affected by cataracts, and in Ghana, about 200,000 people are either blind or visually impaired from Cataracts. As part of the agreement between the Ghana Government and the Chinese Government, the 11th Chinese Medical Team has been stationed at the Lekma Hospital in Teshie, Accra.
The Ophthalmologist on the Team Dr. Cheng Zhixing, said eye-related cases are on the rise, hence, the need for intervention.
Recounting the challenges that come with eye diseases, the Head of the Eye Unit at the Lekma Hospital, Dr. Senam Aseye Aidam, said the free eye surgery will give immense support to patients at the hospital
The Medical Superintendents at the Lekma Hospital, Dr. Akua Agyemang Asante, lauded the Chinese Medical Team at the Hospital for their numerous support.
She pledged to ensure the sustainability of the project to improve the health of patients. A Patron of the One Heart Fund who is also the Nkosuorhene of the Akwamu Traditional Area, Nana Offei Asamani, said the Chinese are good people who have much to offer and foster mutual relationship with the country. There were solitary messages delivered by other partners from the People’s Republic of China.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Alhaji Mahama Seini, said the government will seek to extend the free eye surgery to other parts of the country.
The Free Eye Project is supported by the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Ghana, One Heart Fund, the Beijing United Charity Foundation, and the Government of Ghana.