Over 6,000 regained eyesight, says MoPH

KABUL (MoPH) said on Thursday more than 89,000 patients had been treated, with over 6,000 regaining their eyesight during the past four years.

Calling eye diseases a serious threat to community health, the ministry said it had made significant efforts for dealing with the challenge. Its efforts have made a difference to many individuals.

Deputy Minister Najia Tariq, talking on the World Sight Day, said the ministry had deployed mobile treatment teams in areas where there were no eye health services. More than 89,000 patients were treated by 44 mobile camps in different provinces.

More than 6,000 regained their eyesight and over 12,000 others received glasses free of cost. Currently, more 400,000 Afghans are blind. Doctors say most of eye diseases are caused by self-medication.

Noor Hospital Director Dr. Asmatullah told Pajhwok Afghan News 25,000 people lost eyesight annually. He said most of diseases were curable but the affected individuals went without treatment due to unawareness and lack of health services.

mds/mud