REGIONAL EYE CENTRE TO HAVE FAR REACHING POSITIVE IMPACTS
An eye-care specialist introduces the Acting New Zealand High Commissioner His Excellency Mike Ketchen and Prime Minister Sogavare to facilities at the Pacific Regional Eye Centre. Looking on is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Heath and Medical Services Dr Tenneth Dalipanda. Photo credit: OPMC.
The Acting New Zealand High Commissioner, Mike Ketchen has said the newly opened Regional Eye Centre will have far reaching positive impacts.
He said it will support the delivery of 1,900 sight-restoring surgeries in its first year, adding a further 11,000 people will be able to have their eyes treated.
“The impact of the centre will be far reaching. It will support the delivery of 1,900 sight-restoring surgeries in its first year, double the number of previous surgeries. A further 11,000 people will be able to have their eyes treated for a range of conditions such as Cataract, Partial blindness or Trachoma.”
The Acting New Zealand High Commissioner added the Centre will also have considerable impacts on other Pacific Island countries.
“The impact the Centre will have on the wider Pacific is also substantial and will contribute to an increase in a total number of eye surgeries by at least 30 percent. The health care service delivered here will change the lives of individuals, families and our communities forever. Those affected by eye-related illnesses will be able to go back to work or study, look after their children and live their lives to their full potential.”