Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has successfully undergone a scheduled eye operation. The procedure was conducted on Thursday at the St John Eye Clinic, a specialist unit within the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.
The surgery was notably performed by a team comprised primarily of young, skilled medical professionals. By choosing a state facility for his own care, the minister has made a significant statement about the capabilities within the public health sector. The clinic itself is a critical government facility, providing essential treatment for a range of serious ocular conditions, including retinal diseases, glaucoma, and corneal problems.
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Following his recovery, Minister Motsoaledi emphasised the importance of proactive eye care for all citizens. He stated,
“I urge every South African to make regular eye tests a priority. Early detection of conditions like cataracts and glaucoma is paramount. These are leading causes of preventable vision loss and blindness, but they can be managed if caught in time.”
Taking Healthcare To The People
The Minister’s procedure also served to highlight broader government initiatives aimed at widening access to healthcare. The department detailed its ongoing collaboration with Transnet through the innovative Phelophepa Healthcare Train. This mobile clinic travels across the country’s remote regions, offering free eye tests and providing spectacles at a cost of just R90.
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A spokesperson for the department elaborated on this outreach, explaining,
“This is part of our ‘taking health services to the people’ programme. Such initiatives are crucial for the country to achieve universal health coverage. They ensure equitable access to quality health care, reduce health inequalities, and improve population health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.”