 CM launches cataract surgical centre
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi recently launched Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital's 0.7mm cataract surgical centre (Micro-Phakonit treatment), an in-house innovation, as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Chenai-headquartered group of hospitals.
The Chief Minister lauded the services of the hospital, in particular the Agarwal family, in modenrising eye treatment and also conducting a large number of eye camps for the poor, especially in the rural areas.
Dr J Agarwal, hospital chairman, said they had screened more than five million people during these 50 years and provided free treatment to the poor and needy.
Dr Agarwal said, "This is a memorable day for all of us at Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital. The last 50 years have taught us numerous lessons and it is with pride that I look back to the day when we started the hospital. Our dream, from the beginning till date, has been to completely eradicate blindness. Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital has been taking giant strides towards this goal. I take this opportunity to thank everyone who stood by us through these years and have supported us to progress towards our aim."
Over the years, Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital has gained recognition and acclaim internationally for inventing advanced treatment methods in ophthalmology. Treatment procedures like Micro-Phakonit, Favit (a technique for removing the fallen nucleus into the vitreous) and telescopic IOL implantation have been used by leading ophthalmologists world over and many patients have benefited globally.
The hospital is planning to set up a 'Stem cell research unit' with an investment of Rs 10 crore and also plans to build a school for blind children with an estimated budget of Rs 5 crore. The hospital has planned programmes on Diabetic Retinopathy (disorders in the eyes due to diabetes) to educate people in the rural areas and plans to set up the Dr Agarwal's Retina Foundation for treating retinal diseases.
Dr Amar Agarwal, joint managing director, Dr Agarwal's Eye hospital, said, "About 80 per cent of blindness in the world is preventable. Chennai has been very progressive in the field of ophthalmology, with many patients coming here from other countries for treatment. The cutting-edge technology that we have helps us provide effective treatment for a1l our patients at affordable costs. Some of the latest treatment procedures that we have, including the Micro-Phakonit (0.7mm cataract surgery) make the treatment procedures simple."
Union Minister for Communications and IT, Dayanidhi Maran, congratulated the hospital for the technical advancements made in the field of eye treatment.
Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, G K Vasan, said the hospital's commitment to provide free eye treatment to the poor in the rural areas was laudable and worthy of emulation by other hospitals.
Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Arcot N Veeraswamy was among the participants.
Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital is a tertiary eye hospital started in 1957. Now celebrating 50 years of quality service with branches in Chennai and Jaipur, the organisation has received various awards for its inventions and services. In March 2006, the chairman, Dr J Agarwal, was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his dedicated service to the poor and needy.
R Rangaraj
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