Last Updated on November 15, 2023, 4:28 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister Terrence Drew recently announced that there have been 70 cataract surgeries at the JNF eye clinic. The government of St Kitts And Nevis has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in new equipment so that eye surgeries can resume.
In the previous report, PM Drew highlighted that the waiting period for patients needing cataract procedures had decreased significantly due to the significant increase in surgeries. Patients used to have to wait up to several months for their turn. The wait time averages two to three weeks because the JNF General Hospital has accelerated its services.
Previously, the hospital had to halt this service for nearly a year due to mismaintained medical equipment. But In May 2023, Prime Minister Dr Drew announced the resumption of eye surgery at the JNF, meaning cataract surgery.
After resuming the surgery, Dr Jenson Morton, Director of Health Institutions, immediately expressed his delight in reaching the significant milestone of performing over 40 cataracts, and he thanked the employees for their hard work and commitment.
In the past, it was reported that people had lost their sight as a result of not being able to afford eye surgery. The microscope that is used to perform these kinds of surgeries was broken. No attempt was made to purchase the new machinery. But an effort was put in, and a new machine was bought.
The number of surgeries is increasing daily since the hospital bought a new anesthesiology machine that gives patients general anaesthesia.
The JNF General Hospital offers quick and effective cataract procedures that usually take 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are the carefully chosen days for procedures, with a maximum of three surgeries per day.
PM Drew extended his gratitude to Dr Crespo, the nurses and all staff at the eye clinic for their hard work and dedication to serving the people of the St KITTS and NEVIS.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
