Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the treatment of low-income individuals utilising our public hospitals, particularly those awaiting cataract surgery.

The long wait times for these essential procedures are not just an inconvenience, they are a violation of the dignity and health of our most vulnerable citizens.

Cataract surgery is a straightforward and often life-changing procedure that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. However, many patients are left in limbo for months, if not longer, experiencing not only the frustration of prolonged waiting but also the daily struggles of impaired vision. For those already facing financial hardships, this situation becomes even more distressing.

It is disheartening to see a system that fails to prioritise the needs of its most disadvantaged members. Our public health facilities should be a source of support and healing, not a place of prolonged suffering and uncertainty. I urge our health authorities to take immediate action to address these delays and improve access to necessary surgeries.

We must advocate for a health-care system that treats all individuals with compassion and urgency, ensuring that no one has to wait excessively for life-enhancing procedures.

Thank you for considering this critical issue.

Sonia Ximinies

soniazimmy@gmail.com