Batangtoru, 15 August 2023 – PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), the operator of Martabe Gold Mine, this year is again holding Free Cataract Surgery for 1,000 Eyes. Opened with Cataract Information Week at Sopo Daganak Batangtoru, South Tapanuli, surgery will be carried out in 4 locations in North Sumatra, namely Bhayangkara Batangtoru Hospital, Sipirok Regional General Hospital, Pematangsiantar Eye Hospital, and Mencirim Tujuh Tujuh Eye Hospital Medan.
General Manager Operations of PTAR Rahmat Lubis said, “In the Cataract Information Week, around 200 participants consisting of Forkopimcam (District Leadership Coordination Forum) of Batangtoru and Muara Batangtoru, village heads, sub-district heads, posyandu (Integrated Services Post) cadres, and village midwives around the mine area will receive thorough explanations regarding various eye diseases and how to prevent it, especially cataracts. Furthermore, a series of surgery will be carried out on 10-11, 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30 September at Bhayangkara Batangtoru Hospital. Next on 12-13 October at the Sipirok Regional General Hospital, then on 20-21 October at Pematangsiantar Eye Hospital, and finally on 11-12 November at Mencirim Tujuh Tujuh Eye Hospital Medan.”
Rahmat explained, PTAR holds free cataract surgery as a form of concern for those who suffer from blindness due to cataracts, so that they cannot empower themselves, and have even lost their life expectancy. PTAR’s commitment to a healthy and prosperous community life is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We realize that cataracts are not just a visual impairment, but also an obstacle to being productive, empowered independently, and increasing life expectancy. Therefore, since 2011 we have routinely held cataract surgery safely and free of charge,” said Rahmat. Rahmat hopes that the cataract surgery organized by PTAR can contribute to reducing the prevalence of blindness due to cataracts in Indonesia, especially North Sumatra. In this series of cataract surgeries, PTAR cooperates with Mencirim Tujuh Tujuh Eye Hospital in Medan and is supported by relevant stakeholders at each surgery location.
Batangtoru District Head, Mara Tinggi Siregar, appreciates PTAR’s consistent implementation of free cataract surgery since 2011. He hopes that with the implementation of this activity, the number of cataract sufferers in South Tapanuli Regency can decrease.
“Hopefully this good program will not stop this year and can continue to be implemented in the future,” he said.
PTAR Senior Manager Corporate Communications, Katarina Siburian Hardono, invites people with cataracts, especially those who have difficulty getting access to health, to take advantage of this good opportunity. Since 2011, the free cataract surgery program held by PTAR has cured 9,259 cataracts and has supported the life expectancy of 7,955 people.
Katarina said that cataracts are the main cause of blindness. She explained that economic factors are one of the causes of many cataract patients who have not been treated. Therefore, she invites the public to join this program.
“PTAR organizes free and safe cataract surgery with a 100% success rate if the patient obeys the doctor’s directions and recommendations. Blindness due to cataracts is avoidable, and currently, cataracts can only be cured by surgery. Let’s see again the beauty of the world, immediately register yourself, family, friends, relatives, or acquaintances who need free cataract surgery, this golden opportunity only comes once a year!” she said. People who wish to register can come directly to Bhayangkara Batangtoru Hospital, or call the following number 0822-7222-3525 or 0811-843-6835 for further information.
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