Operation Miracle to Reach New Nicaraguan Zones

Managua, Aug 11. – The Operation Miracle free eye surgery program, with the collaboration of Cuban doctors, will open a new center in southeastern Nicaragua Saturday, bringing medical services closer to the population.

Dr. Alfredo Rodriguez, chief of the Cuban medical mission, told Prensa Latina that the center will provide services for the Muelle de los Bueyes municipality,and will treat patients for cataracts and pterygium.

About 20,000 residents of that area of the South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAS), and people from surrounding areas may undergo cataract and pterygium surgeries before the end of the year, Rodriguez said.

According to Rodriguez, it is expected that once needs are covered in those territories, the surgery center will move to other zones and continue bringing medical services to the communities.

Operation Miracle currently has seven surgery centers, located in in Sandino City ( Managua department), Matagalpa (capital of the department with the same name), Bluefields and Puerto Cabeza, capitals of RASS, and the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN), respectively.

To date, more than 81,000 mostly low-income Nicaraguans, many in remote areas, have received free eye surgery through Operation Miracle, with the help of the Cuban brigade of 168 doctors and other health professionals.(Prensa Latina)