Imphal: Health officials gathered at Hiyanglam Primary Health Centre in Kakching district today to mark the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight. The event involved the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment, the National Health Mission Manipur, and the Directorate of Health Services. Organizers aimed to push donation rates up across the country.
Dr. Vikram Singh Khoisnam, the state nodal officer, noted the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has held these two-week drives annually since 1985. "Eyes can be donated after death and that the donated eyes from one donor can help restore sight to two people," he said. The campaign seeks to bust myths while promoting the benefits of the procedure.
Statewide activities include free cataract surgeries, screening clinics, and medicine handouts. Authorities also distributed spectacles to elderly residents suffering from near-vision issues. Kakching Chief Medical Officer Dr. Thaodem Rajen pointed to the lack of local eye specialists, calling the choice of Hiyanglam PHC for the event a fortunate decision.
Five eye specialists and 25 medical staff treated roughly 400 patients during the day. The session ended with six people signing up as donors. Dr. Ningombam Reagan Singh, director-in-charge of the Manipur State Eye Bank, and Dr. Elangbam Kiran of Hiyanglam PHC also joined the proceedings.
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