Jakarta, 2 August 2023 - Facing almost three months of difficulty in working, Andi Kurniawan's determination led him to the RSUD Puruk Cahu, Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan, where a free cataract surgery was being conducted. Riding his old motorcycle, Andi traveled alone from his residence in Mantiat Pari Village, about 1.5 hours away from the hospital, and successfully registered as a recipient of the free surgery.
Being a husband and a father of three who depended on him became Andi's primary motivation to restore his vision to its former state. The free cataract surgery, organized by PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) and the Cataract Prevention Section of the Indonesian Association of Ophthalmologists (SPBK PERDAMI) at RSUD Puruk Cahu, was a rare opportunity for Andi and hundreds of other patients who attended on July 24-25, 2023.
Andi was among the 157 recipients of free cataract surgery during this event. The majority of these patients, ranging in age from 30 to 70, are engaged in farming and gold mining. The patients enthusiastically welcomed this initiative because, besides being cost-free, they would otherwise need to undertake a journey of approximately 7-9 hours to receive proficient medical care in Palangkaraya City.
"With this cataract surgery, I hope my vision can recover so that I can work again to provide for my wife and children at home," Andi shared after the operation.
Cataracts are one of the most pressing eye health issues in Indonesia. According to PERDAMI's data, in 2017, there were 8 million people with visual impairments, including 1.6 million who were blind and 6.4 million with moderate to severe visual impairments. Of this total, 81.2% of visual impairments were caused by cataracts.[1]1
Recognizing this, BCA has been conducting cataract surgery activities regularly since 2001. As evidence of the consistent implementation of the Bakti BCA program in various locations across Indonesia, a total of 803 cataract surgeries were successfully performed last year. In the same year, through its affiliated clinics, BCA provided medical services to more than 15 thousand patients.
Dicky Junaidi, the Head of BCA KCU Palangkaraya, stated, "As we know, there are many cataract patients in Indonesia, and this eye health issue has a significant impact on their lives. BCA is committed to helping the community achieve a better life through various activities, including conducting cataract surgery as part of social service. We hope this effort can improve the lives of cataract patients in Murung Raya Regency."
Hera F. Haryn, EVP Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility at BCA, added, "Cataracts still remain a pressing eye disorder in Indonesia. Although it can be treated through surgery, not everyone has access to good healthcare facilities. Therefore, since 2001, BCA has collaborated with various parties, including SPBK PERDAMI, to reduce the number of blind patients due to cataracts by conducting cataract surgery as part of social service. Despite a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic, we have reached hundreds of patients beyond Java Island so far. We hope that the Bakti BCA program can expand to reach more regions, thus reducing the number of cataract patients in Indonesia."
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Picture Information:
SPBK PERDAMI and Bakti BCA Successfully Perform Cataract Surgeries on 157 Patients - The implementation of the Cataract Surgery Social Service program at RSUD Puruk Cahu, Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan, was successful, with 157 cataract patients undergoing successful surgeries. Dicky Junaidi, Head of BCA KCU Palangkaraya (left), presents a memento to Deputy Regent of Murung Raya, Rejikinoor, symbolizing the commencement of the mass cataract surgery activities there. (i)
Consistently Bringing New Light to Cataract Patients - PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), in collaboration with various parties including SPBK PERDAMI, has been working tirelessly to bring new light through cataract surgeries since 2001. Cataracts remain a significant health issue in Indonesia, with 8 million people suffering from visual impairments in 2017 alone. Of this number, 81.2% were caused by cataracts. Bakti BCA's contribution in Puruk Cahu, Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan, stands as evidence of the consistent effort to combat visual impairments. (ii)
Preparing to Embrace New Light - Andi Kurniawan (30), one of the beneficiaries of the social service cataract surgery at RSUD Puruk Cahu, is getting ready before entering the operating room. Andi is one of the 157 patients who came from various villages in Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan. The limitations of specialized eye doctors and medical facilities in the area have resulted in enthusiastic local participation in one of Bakti BCA's initiatives. (iii)
[1] https://www.kemkes.go.id/article/print/21101200001/katarak-penyebab-terbanyak-gangguan-penglihatan-di- indonesia.html
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About PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (as of 30 June 2023)
BCA is one of the leading commercial banks in Indonesia with the core business of transaction banking. BCA also offers a full range of financial services in consumer, SME, commercial and corporate segments. As of March 2023, BCA has the privilege of serving more than 36 million customer accounts, processing around 77 million of daily transactions through a network of 1,247 branches; 18,348 ATMs as well as the 24-hour internet & mobile banking systems; supported by 24/7 Halo BCA contact center. BCA’s presence is complemented by a number of subsidiaries focusing on vehicle financing, sharia banking, securities, general and life insurance, digital bank, remittance as well as venture capital business. BCA is committed to building lasting relationship with customers, putting people first, and making positive impact on society at large. With around 25,000 employees, BCA's vision is to be the bank of choice and a major pillar of the Indonesia economy.
PT BANK CENTRAL ASIA TBK
Group Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility - CSR
Corporate Communication
Address : Jl. MH Thamrin No. 1
Menara BCA Lt. 22
Jakarta Pusat 10310
Telephone : (021) 2358-8000
Fax : (021) 2358-8339
E-mail : corcom_bca@bca.co.id
