inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Social Affairs is providing free cataract surgery services for hundreds of elderly and vulnerable groups in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province to commemorate National Elderly Day (HLUN) 2026.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated that the program, centered at Ende Regional Hospital, demonstrates the government's commitment to fulfilling the right to health and improving the quality of life for the elderly.

"The commemoration of National Elderly Day is an important momentum to strengthen our shared commitment to honoring the elderly," said Saifullah on Tuesday (6/2/2026).

He emphasized that the elderly are not a burden on development, but rather an important part of society entitled to protection, social security, and inclusive empowerment programs.

According to Ministry of Social Affairs data, 180 patients from Ende Regency, Nagekeo Regency, and Ngada Regency underwent cataract surgery between May 31 and June 1, 2026.

To support the program, the Ministry of Social Affairs covered all operational costs for participants from outside the region, including transportation, accommodation, and meals during the healthcare services.

In addition to cataract surgery services, the Ministry of Social Affairs also distributed 338 Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) packages consisting of basic food supplies from the Efata Kupang Center to screening participants registered in the National Socioeconomic Single Data (DTSEN) for deciles 1–5.

Overall, the 2026 HLUN social service program in NTT reached 7,930 beneficiaries. Of these, 2,208 were cataract surgery recipients across various regencies and cities in NTT.

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