Health Minister Has Instructed Authorities To Issue Cataract Lenses Free Of Charge For All Cataract Patients Due To Undergo Surgery

Minister Of Health ,Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Dr.Rajitha Senaratne has instructed the Director General Of Health Services Dr.Palitha Mahipala to issue eye lenses free of charge for all the cataract patients who are due to under go surgeries in the Colombo National Eye Hospital .

Up to now only the low income group eligible to receive Rs.2000 worth eye lenses for cataract surgeries under the vision-2020 programme attached to the Ministry Of Health.

The Minister Dr.Senaratne has stated during a meeting held with government eye surgeons that representatives of several multinational companies which produced eye lenses are daily arrive at Eye Hospital premises in Colombo in view of marketing their products.A good quality eye lens needs for cataract surgeries is cost around Rs.10,000-12,000 and as most of the cataract patients not able to purchase them due to the higher prices ,Health Ministry will issue them free of charge for all the patients .