Bihar Government Partners with Sankara Eye Foundation for New Eye Hospital in Patna
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Patna, Dec 13 (NationPress) The Bihar government has joined forces with the Sankara Eye Foundation to create a modern eye care facility in the capital city, Patna. The MoU was executed by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Health Department, and Padma Shri Dr R.B. Ramani, Managing Director of Sankara Eye Foundation India, in the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
This new institution is set to offer complimentary treatment to 75 percent of its patients. Individuals earning less than Rs 2.5 lakh annually will be eligible for free services, while others will be required to pay for their care.
The initiative is designed to improve access to sophisticated eye care for those facing economic challenges in the area.
With the oversight of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the groundwork has been laid for the construction of a state-of-the-art eye hospital, Shankara Netralaya, in Kankarbagh, Patna.
The Bihar government has allocated 1.6 acres of land to the Sankara Eye Foundation India for a nominal fee of Rs 1 for a period of 99 years.
In a previous cabinet session, the Bihar government earmarked Rs 48 crore to facilitate the transfer of land from the Bihar State Housing Board to the Health Department.
The hospital, envisioned as a super-specialty center, is projected to be completed within 18 months. The Coimbatore-based Sankara Eye Foundation, recognized for its proficiency in ophthalmology, will spearhead this project.
Health Minister Mangal Pandey hailed the collaboration as a monumental achievement, attributing the swift action of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to an initiative put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Upon completion, the hospital is expected to deliver world-class eye care services, addressing a vital need for advanced ophthalmological treatments, including Retina detachment and eye cancer, in addition to common eye ailments within Bihar, thereby benefiting numerous residents.
During the event, Pratyay Amrit, the development commissioner of Bihar, welcomed the Chief Minister and other distinguished guests, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Water Resource Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Health Minister Mangal Pandey, among others.
