Batang Toru, 26 July 2024 – PT Agincourt Resources, the operator of Martabe Gold Mine, is again holding a Free Cataract Surgery themed “Open Your Eyes and See the Beauty of the World” targeting 1,300 eyes in 2024. This target will add to 10,571 eyes that have been operated on from 2011 to 2023. This year, Agincourt Resources is targeting 3 locations in North Sumatra, namely South Tapanuli, Pematang Siantar, and Medan.
Director & Chief Finance Officer of PT Agincourt Resources Noviandri said, Free Cataract Surgery program is a manifestation of the company’s commitment to improving the quality of life of the community around the operational area. Free Cataract Surgery does not only clear vision but also has a significant impact on family life.
“This program has been running since 2011 and this year is the tenth implementation year. We are strongly committed to continuously contributing to reducing the number of cataract blindness in Indonesia. Through this program, hopefully, we are able to help people in need, not only the community around the operational area, but also the people of North Sumatra in general,” he explained.
Collaborating with eye specialists from Medan Mencirim 77 Eye Hospital, this cataract surgery will be held in three locations: Batang Toru Public Health Center, Siantar Eye Hospital, and Medan Mencirim 77 Eye Hospital. This Free Cataract Surgery will take place from July to September 2024, with great hopes of improving the quality of life of thousands of cataract sufferers.
Based on the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey in 15 provinces in the period 2014-2016, the blindness rate in Indonesia reached 3%, with 81% of them caused by cataracts. Through this surgery, Agincourt Resources seeks to reduce this number while increasing hope and quality of life of many people.
Free Cataract Surgery Program received appreciation from the government of South Tapanuli Regency. Assistant II for the Economy and Development of South Tapanuli Regency, Jajang Maman, said that this program provides great benefits for the welfare of the South Tapanuli community.
“I would like to thank Agincourt Resources for continuously implementing the program in a consistent manner. Also thank you for the assistance of Sipirok RSUD which is also handed over at today’s event,” said Jajang.
Read Also: Great Public Enthusiasm, PT Agincourt Resources Increases Free Cataract Surgery Quota for 1,300 Eyes
Titin Agustin, a 20-year-old woman from Aek Pining Village, Batang Toru District, is one of the beneficiaries of this year’s program. Since both of her eyes were affected by cataracts three months ago, her vision had become blurry, thus hampering her activities in helping her uncle and aunt sell meatballs.
After undergoing surgery on 20 July 2024, her right eye is now able to see more clearly, and her activities can return to normal. Her left eye has also been scheduled for surgery at the same location in early August.
“After the surgery, my vision returned to normal. I can help my uncle make and sell meatballs again. I am very grateful. This program is very helpful for people who suffer from cataracts,” she said.
The series of surgical activities at Batang Toru Public Health Center began on 20 July 2024 and has cured 589 eyes from 569 patients in the operational area of Agincourt Resources.
The 2024 Free Cataract Surgery will take place at Batang Toru Public Health Center on 20-21 July, 24-25 July, and 2-3 August; at Siantar Hospital on 27-31 August; and at Medan Mencirim 77 Eye Hospital on 5-8 September.
