Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George (MP), has declared that sight is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and announced a dual-pronged strategy involving technological innovation and legislative reform to urgently tackle Ghana’s backlog in cataract surgery. Speaking at the Annual General Scientific Meeting (AGSM) of the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana, the Minister stressed that advancing cataract surgery is a national imperative, not merely a medical mission, as cataract remains the leading cause of reversible blindness globally and the majority of visual impairment cases in Ghana.
Technology to Bridge Care Gaps
Mr. George, in his capacity as Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, outlined how technology will revolutionize eye care. The plan focuses on three core areas. Tele-ophthalmology will be leveraged to connect urban specialists with rural patients, utilizing the upcoming 5G rollout and enhanced community information centres. Secondly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set for deployment to aid in the early diagnosis of severe conditions like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Finally, digital platforms will be used to improve training, mentorship, and knowledge sharing among ophthalmologists across different regions. The Minister affirmed that innovation and technology must form the strategic heart of efforts to advance eye care in the country.
Advocacy for Legislative Reform and Eye Bank
Beyond technology, the Minister pledged strong government support for critical legislative and infrastructure reforms. Hon. George specifically assured the Ophthalmological Society of the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the landmark legislation on tissue and organ transplantation is finally passed, a bill he will personally advocate for as a Member of Parliament. Crucially, he also committed to advocating for the necessary seed funding to establish an ultramodern Eye Bank in Ghana. This facility is envisioned not only to serve Ghanaian citizens but also to position the nation as a leading organ transplant and technological hub for the entire West African sub-region. Reiterating the societal impact of restoring vision, the Minister issued a call to action for ophthalmologists and partners to commit to scaling up surgical services, investing in training, and harnessing technology to deliver equitable, quality, and timely eye care.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
