Hundreds to Receive Cataract Surgery as Health Ministry Expands Eye Care Program
Over 100 citizens and residents in Antigua and Barbuda will undergo cataract surgery this week, thanks to an ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Trinidad Eye Hospital. Spearheaded by Dr. Ronnie Bhola and his team, this initiative has been instrumental in providing vital eye care services to those in need since 2019.
Described as a “visionary partnership,” the program is designed to combat the growing demand for cataract surgeries in Antigua and Barbuda. To date, over 780 procedures have been performed. This week’s surgeries will bring the total closer to 900, and just recently, on September 26th, the initiative celebrated its 1,000th cataract removal.
Dr. Bhola, the Chief Surgeon at the Trinidad Eye Hospital, stressed the importance of early intervention. “Performing cataract surgery at an earlier stage greatly improves outcomes and reduces the risk of complications. Annual vision check-ups are key to identifying issues early,” he explained.
For Dr. Bhola, the program is not only about restoring vision but also about building local medical expertise. “We take pride in teaching and training staff at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre during our visits. Sharing knowledge and watching the local team grow is as rewarding as the surgeries themselves.”
The Health Ministry, which has backed the initiative from the start, remains committed to expanding its services. Dr. Bhola revealed that discussions with the Minister of Health are already underway to enhance regular screening and ensure continued access to cataract surgeries.
“The Minister has been incredibly supportive, and that’s why we’ve been able to conduct so many surgeries. We’re exploring ways to improve and expand services to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to eye care,” Dr. Bhola said.
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Great news, and many thanks to Dr. Bhola and his Trinidadian eye medical team. Much appreciated.
Collaboration in all medical matters and teaching will benefit Antigua & Barbuda in the long term. Hopefully, there’s more to come.
@Brixtonian September 30, 2024 At 5:45 pm
You just cannot bring it in your heart to thank the Honorable Sir Molwyn Joseph, who is the driving force behind this project. Something even the Trinidadian doctors have openly thanked him for. You would rather die then to so do. Sad case of hatred you are.
But whenever anything goes wrong in the hospital, you lambast the minister for it. As if the hospital has no management and no board of directors.
But never mind he doesn’t need your praises. That is not what moves him. Seeing so many poor people get free eye care is what does. And this is not the first time. It started long ago with the Chinese doctors, then came the Cubans and I believe even Venezuelans came to our aid at one time. Now its the Trinidadian. And that while we have eye doctors here on Island providing the service at exorbitant prices, which the poor cannot afford. The problem I have is that some of them were educated with our very own Education Levy, while others receive scholarship from Cuba and these days many get free Prime Minister Scholarship to the tune of $27000.00. But they are not willing to give back to their own country.
Less we forget…
The Sir Maulvin Joseph has not a clue as to how the eye program at MSMC began. It’s an initiative that he met in place when he was appointed Minister of health.
What he should be given credit for, is to hijack the program and try to take credit for its implementation.
He has never gave recognition to those who initiated and implemented the eye program at the hospital.
Dr. Ian Walwyn is no longer at the hospital but you can tell your arrogant and bad minded minister that he needs to recognize the hard work and initiative of Dr. Jenelle Allen. MD, Optometrist.
@Sharon Patriot Lycorish October 1, 2024 At 6:52 am
I see you have your gripe against the minister. But you have to give Jack his Jacket. Even though according to you, the program was started by Dr. Walwyn, it took Sir Molwayn to take it over the finish line. When the Labour Party came to office the Hospital was in need of everything. Not one diagnostic machine was in working condition. Old Holberton was left in such a mess that when Sir Molwyn did a roundtrip and showed us the state in which they left amputated body parts down there was disgusting. Now Sir Molwyn convinced the Prime Minister to give priority to our Healthcare and millions of dollars were pumped into bringing the hospital back up to par. And yes he is not an easy person to work with, because he knows what he wants to achieve and no one is going to run his show. Many doctors who thought to take control of the hospital had to run back to their own practices. Even the famous Dr. John. Sir Molwyn is a person that gets things done and we can see the many strikes the nurses have held against his policies, but in the end he still ensures progress in the healthcare system. So much so that we had the first kidney transplant in this very same hospital. And look how many Dialysis machines we have. Many patients are now receiving treatment right here at home. I already mention the many cataract surgeries that have taken place, and for free. And than even eye glasses were distributed for free. The Chinese cane, the Venezuelans came, The Cubans came and now the Trinidadians. Give Jack his Jacket. Look at how he brought us through the Covid Pandemic. Many had predicted Antigua would have seen people dying in the street. But he ensured his team of health professionals led by Dr. Rhonda Sealy Thomas executed the health policies so precisely, that Antigua was the first Island to open up their borders and receive tourists again.
So please you may have some personal gripe but that doesn’t take away from his immense contribution to our healthcare system.
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