Arakkha Government Provides Free Eye Surgeries to 136 IDP Patients in Sittwe District During September

News ၊ October 26, 2026

The Arakkha Government provided free eye surgeries during September to 136 eye patients among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sittwe District, Arakan State.

An official from the Arakkha People's Health Department stated that 678 IDP eye patients in Sittwe District were initially examined using optical diagnostic equipment. Among them, 136 patients who required surgical intervention were treated in four separate batches.

In the first batch, surgeries were performed on 58 patients in total: 48 for cataracts, 9 for nasal pterygium, and 1 for evisceration (a surgical procedure to remove the internal contents of the eye).

In the second batch, 29 patients underwent cataract surgery. The third batch covered 22 patients (21 for cataracts and 1 for nasal pterygium), while the fourth batch treated 27 patients (26 for cataracts and 1 for nasal pterygium), all free of charge.

Following the successful surgical procedures for all 136 IDP patients, prescription glasses were also custom-made and distributed free of charge to 99 of them.

The Arakkha People's Health Department covered all medical expenses, food, and transportation costs for the patients throughout the treatment period.

The department affirmed that it will continue providing consecutive medical treatment programs for IDPs and others in need who cannot afford eye consultations or surgeries on their own.

Similarly, during the third week of May, the department screened 223 IDP eye patients across Arakan State, providing free surgical treatments to 59 patients (33 cataract surgeries, 5 pterygium excisions, and 21 prescription eyewear fittings) in its second round of free eye care.

Additionally, in the first week of April, around 200 IDP eye patients were examined, with 27 receiving free surgical care in the department's first round of treatments.

Beyond eye care and surgeries, the Arakkha People's Health Department continues to consistently provide various free healthcare services across Arakan State, including dental care, vaccinations, maternal and child healthcare, disease prevention and control, basic medical services, and general consultations.

Source@APM