Limpho Sello

THE eye Out Patient Department (OPD) of the Queen Elizabeth II District Hospital was officially re- opened on Thursday bringing to six, the number of OPDs that are now in operation as efforts continue towards the full re-opening of the medical facility that was closed in October 2011.

The other OPDs are the Orthopedics, Mother and Child Health (MCH), Oral, HIV and AIDS and General OPDs

The Minister of Health Dr Molotsi Monyamane officiated at the re-opening of the eye OPD along with ministry’s Health Director General Dr Nyane Letsie.

Queen II District Hospital was closed after the opening of the Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospitals which is the country’s referral hospital.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Letsie said the closure of Queen II had however left the people of Maseru without a district hospital hence the steps that have been taken since 2014 to open several OPDs including the eye OPD.

“The opening of the eye OPD is a wonderful thing because now this means the number of health services offered here are increasing and we are pushing hard to see that all levels of health care become operational to address the needs of Basotho,” Dr Letsie said.

Dr Letsie also appealed to the doctors to work hard and treat patients with the respect they deserve.

“We are pushing to ensure we have satisfied patients. Where there are complaints they should be reported so that we can respond,” Dr Letsie said.

Dr Monyamane said it was important to re-open the eye OPD to cater for people born with eye problems as well as others who develop the problems during stages of their lives.

He said the ministry was grateful for the re-opening which will enable patients to receive assistance.

Dr Monyamane also acknowledged the contribution of Dr Mokete ‘Musi who has been an eye specialist for more than four decades since 1974.

“We are very much thankful of this day and with Dr Mokete’s guidance we will work hard and continue to serve the Basotho nation,” Dr Monyamane said.