Medical Solidarity: Houcine-Bouzayen University Hospital in Gafsa Hosts Ophthalmology Surgical Caravan
In a gesture of medical solidarity, the Houcine-Bouzayen University Hospital in Gafsa has been hosting an ophthalmology surgical caravan for the past few days, aiming to provide around 100 free cataract surgeries to patients with limited income. This initiative is the result of a partnership between the Al-Basr Club and the Al-Aoun Al-Moubacher Association, demonstrating the shared commitment of public health actors and civil society to reduce waiting times and improve access to specialized care in the region.
Background
A specialized ophthalmology surgical caravan has been taking place at the Houcine-Bouzayen University Hospital in Gafsa since last Friday, in partnership with the Al-Basr Club and the Al-Aoun Al-Moubacher Association - Tunis Bureau, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Directorate. The initiative, which has both medical and social implications, aims to enable around 100 patients from modest backgrounds to benefit from free cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation surgeries. These interventions concern patients on a waiting list that exceeds 600 cases in the region.
Ongoing Collaboration
This is not the first surgical caravan. The collaboration with the service has been ongoing to reduce waiting times. Each mission treats between 50 and 100 patients, depending on the available resources. The Al-Aoun Al-Moubacher Association has provided the necessary medical lenses, while the Al-Basr Club has mobilized the surgical teams and technical equipment. This medical campaign, dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Majdi Boukari, former head of the ophthalmology department, highlights the importance of partnership between civil society and public health structures to strengthen patient care in Gafsa.
Future Plans
The heads of the ophthalmology department have stated that this initiative will continue throughout the year to reduce the number of patients on the waiting list and improve access to specialized care in the region.
