By Lungile Ntimba
A groundbreaking initiative between the Western Cape government, Stellenbosch University (SU) and the University of the Western Cape is currently underway to address a backlog in cataract surgeries and dental services in the Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts.
The project aims to clear a three-year waiting list for patients awaiting cataract surgery in the region as well as assist in dental care provision.
Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger has described the collaboration as significant, saying it not only affords students the opportunity to change the lives of the patients they treat, but to gain invaluable practical skills in challenging rural contexts.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to everybody that has made this project possible. Over 120 people’s lives are going to be changed this week, because vision is integral to a person’s livelihood and their quality of life,” the MEC said in a statement
“This InReach project is a fantastic demonstration of the power of partnerships. People come together with a common purpose to restore vision, each contributing something unique, but when put together, make a huge impact. My heart is overflowing with joy at this project.”
According to Stellenbosch’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), the project, which started on Monday and ends on Sunday, aims to achieve 120 cataract surgeries and 300 dental procedures.
The team includes healthcare professionals, NGOs, 30 health sciences students from the two universities and Nelson Mandela University, two ophthalmologists from SU/Africa20Twenty, ophthalmologists in training and five dentists from UWC leading medical teams.
While the health department is providing facilities, consumables and patient transport, Africa20Twenty is supplying a pop-up theatre for cataract surgeries and general support.
The Al-Imdaad Foundation is offering support for consumables for cataract surgery and patient support.
Dr Therese Fish, who is the Vice-Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact at SU’s FMHS, said the institution was committed to serving the community through this initiative.
“We have a long partnership in the Central Karoo where our undergraduate medical students receive practical training,” said Fish.
“Through this collaboration, we’re harnessing collective expertise to create meaningful impact and this partnership demonstrates the power of unity in addressing community needs. We’re proud to contribute our knowledge and resources to uplift and enhance the wellbeing of Central Karoo residents,” she added.
UWC’s Faculty of Dentistry has established its mobile dental unit at Bastiaanse Secondary School in Beaufort West.
Dr Khabiso Ramphoma, who is a community dentistry specialist and UWC Faculty of Dentistry Outreach Coordinator, said: “This collaborative initiative draws attention to the critical need for ongoing support and funding to maintain and expand these essential services in the region.”
SU FMHS Vice Dean: Learning and Teaching, Prof.Karin Baatjes, highlighted the educational value of the project.
“This initiative presents an extraordinary opportunity for our students to use unique learning opportunities in rural areas and thus to apply their training in service of society. By providing life-changing care to underserved communities, our under- and postgraduate students gain invaluable first-hand experience,” Baatjes said.
Africa20Twenty’s Carl Nel said collaborative innovation like InReach was essential.
“The need for cataract surgery and vision restoration is especially dire in rural areas and districts where backlogs are large, but through these collaborative partnerships we are able to do years of work in just seven days,” he said in the department’s statement.
Patients waiting for their procedures expressed immense excitement and relief at the prospect of regaining the ability to participate fully in activities that many take for granted.
INSIDE EDUCATION
