Waingapu, 30 November 2023 - PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) is extending its social services for cataract surgery to Waingapu, East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. In collaboration with the Cataract Blindness Management Division of the Indonesian Ophthalmologist Association (SPBK PERDAMI), BCA conducted a free cataract surgery at Umbu Rara Meha Regional Public Hospital in Waingapu, East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara.
Under the Bakti BCA Health program, this initiative is a part of the company’s commitment to improving the quality of public health and addressing the issue of blindness caused by cataracts in Indonesia. The cataract surgery program was held for two days, from 30 November to 1 December 2023. Around 125 patients in Waingapu who met the medical criteria for cataract surgery underwent the procedure performed by PERDAMI team and a team of ophthalmologists from Umbu Rara Meha Regional Public Hospital.
The opening ceremony of Bakti BCA’s free cataract surgery was attended by Umbu Rara Meha Regional Public Hospital Director dr. Rudi H. Damanik, Sp.Rad., PERDAMI Chairman for Bali dr. Cokorda Istri Dewiyani Pemayun, Sp.M(K), Head of BCA Sub-branch Office in Kupang Hotma Riana Siregar, and Assistant III Regional Secretary of East Sumba Timur Lu Pelindima S.Sos.
Waingapu is located in the northern part of Sumba Island in East Sumba, surrounded by savannah, hills, and beaches. The majority of the population lives as farmers and fishermen, supported by abundant natural resources. Waingapu residents are also famous for their weaving skills, producing Sumba woven fabrics that are renowned for their beauty and unique motifs.
Amidst all this natural beauty and diverse life, there are health challenges, such as the high number of cataracts. With the majority of the population working as farmers and fishermen, there is a higher chance of them being exposed to ultraviolet light, a known cause of cataracts. In response to this, BCA presents free cataract surgery in Waingapu to provide necessary medical care.
Head of BCA Sub-branch Office in Kupang Hotma Riana Siregar expressed, “We are very proud to continue and expand the reach of social services for cataract surgery in Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara. As part of BCA’s commitment to contribute to the reduction of blindness, this program is expected to offer new hope and improve the quality of life for residents in Waingapu who are in need.”
As additional information, BCA has been actively organizing cataract surgeries since 2001. In the year 2022, BCA sponsored 803 cataract surgeries across various locations in Indonesia, extending medical services to more than 15 thousand patients through BCA-assisted clinics. Notably, this year, BCA’s free cataract surgery initiatives took place at several locations, including Gatot Subroto Army Hospital in Jakarta; Puruk Cahu, Central Kalimantan; Batam, Riau Islands; Tual, Southeast Maluku; Margaasih, Bandung; West Coast, Lampung; and Manokwari, West Papua; effectively attracting more than 900 patients. Looking ahead, BCA is unwavering in its commitment to both continuing and expanding free cataract surgery services to all corners of the country.
BCA EVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility Hera F. Haryn explained, “In collaboration with PERDAMI, BCA is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Waingapu residents through free cataract surgery. Cataract surgery, we emphasize, is not solely about eye health but also about improving productivity and overall quality of life. We firmly believe that providing inclusive access to healthcare in remote areas will yield a significant positive impact. With this steadfast commitment, BCA hopes to bring new light to those in need.”
BCA initiative goes beyond performing cataract surgeries; the bank also actively contributes to the eradication of cataracts by supplying essential surgical equipment to support SPBK PERDAMI and its branch offices. Collaborating with SPBK PERDAMI, the free cataract surgery aims to persistently decrease the numbers of cataract cases in Indonesia.
PERDAMI Chairman for Bali dr. Cokorda Istri Dewiyani Pemayun, Sp.M(K) stated, “We want to express our sincere appreciation for BCA’s outstanding efforts in extending the cataract surgery social service program to diverse regions across Indonesia. This initiative has been instrumental in reaching cataract patients in remote areas, thereby contributing significantly to the overall reduction of cataract cases in the country. BCA’s support of cataract surgery equipment also plays an important role in improving the quality of life of those affected by this disease. We hope that this partnership will grow stronger, so that together, we can continue to reduce the number of cataract cases in Indonesia.”
Picture Information 1:
Free Cataract Surgery in Waingapu – (Left to right) Head of BCA Sub-branch Office in Waingapu Indra Septy, Karumbu Rang Nau (Waingapu Sub-district Secretary), Umbu Rara Meha Regional Public Hospital Director dr. H. Rudi Damanik, Sp. Rad., Assistant III Regional Secretary of East Sumba Timur Lu Pelindima S.Sos, PERDAMI Chairman for Bali dr. Cokorda Istri Dewiyani Pemayun, Sp.M(K), Head of BCA Sub-branch Office in Kupang Farida Hotma Riana Siregar, Umbu Rara Meha Regional Public Hospital Head of Administration Rambu Ana A. Praing, S.Pi.,M.Si, and PERDAMI Vice Chairman II for Bali dr. Luh Putu Intan Kartika Chandra Dewi, Sp.M, pose together at the opening ceremony of Bakti BCA’s free cataract surgery at Umbu Rara Meha. Regional Public Hospital. Over 100 patients at Umbu Rara Meha Regional Public Hospital in Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara, received successful cataract surgery treatment. This event in Waingapu marks the conclusion of a series of programs in 2023.
Picture Information 2:
A team of doctors performs surgery - A team of doctors from PERDAMI and Umbu Rara Meha Regional Public Hospital performed cataract surgery on a patient. The free cataract surgery in Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara, was held on 30 November and 1 December 2023, targeting 125 patients.
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About PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (per 30 September 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 September 2023, BCA has the privilege of serving nearly 39 million customer accounts, processing around 81 million of daily transactions through a network of 1,252 branches; 18,705 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
Alamat : Jl. MH Thamrin No. 1
Menara BCA Lt. 22
Jakarta Pusat 10310
Telepon : (021) 2358-8000
Fax : (021) 2358-8339
E-mail : corcom_bca@bca.co.id
