DENPASAR ~ A government program promised by Governor of Bali I Made Mangku Pastika to provide free cataract surgeries has been realized, an official said.

According to officials, free surgeries were performed in Kubutambahan, Buleleng, last Tuesday and Bugbug, Karangasem, last Wednesday.

Bugbug resident Ni Luh Urip, who received the free surgery, said she was very grateful to Governor Pastika for the program.

“We were told at the hospital that my mother needed the surgery, but we didn’t have the Rp3-4 million (US$251-335) to pay for it,” Urip’s son said.

Director of Indra Hospital Dr. Pande Nyoman Srijona said they could perform a maximum of 12 surgeries in one location, so the patients get the best possible treatment.

“The governor has instructed us to treat patients with the same care and attention we would if they were in the hospital paying for their surgery,” Dr. Srijona said.

Srijoni also said people often underestimated the seriousness of cataracts, and that they could cause blindness, especially in people who live close to the beach.

According to the doctor, the program is scheduled to continue until February 25.