Governor Patil Inaugurates Dedicated Eye Wing and Free SQUINT Operation Camp

GANGTOK, Sept 22, 2014: Today, the Governor of Sikkim, Mr. Shriniwas Patil, formally inaugurated the Dedicated Eye Wing and Free SQUINT Operation Camp at the District Hospital in Singtam.

Addressing the gathering, in the special presence of Minister for Health Care, Human Service and Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Sikkim Mr. A.K. Ghatani, Governor Patil dedicated the new programme to the chief minister of Sikkim as a souvenir on his auspicious birth anniversary. 

He urged the health officials to observe an eye-promoting programme on 22nd September every year with an objective of providing new vision to the people having blindness and eyesight complications. Directing the health department to find out the prevailing disabilities from birth, he said individuals with disabilities must be corrected at any cost. There may be some deficiency by birth, while it is our utmost duty to fulfill the space left unfilled by nature. 

Stressing the successful treatment procedure, he appealed to all patients to follow the advice and guidance of the experts properly, even after the operation is completed, so that no complications could occur in the future. Emphasizing the importance of eyes in human life, he affirmed to involve children and students as an integral part of the programme for nation-building and further stated that these children would write stories and articles about this life-changing, remarkable initiative of the government in the future. He advised to expedite the conduction of free SQUINT camps in North Sikkim as well.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Health Minister Mr. A.K. Ghatani also extended the newly inaugurated Dedicated Eye Wing & Free SQUINT operation camp as a birthday gift to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, which will give new life to patients having vision obstructions. During his deliberation, Mr. Ghatani appealed to all eye patients who had undergone previous screening tests to take advantage of the free SQUINT operation camp. 

He instructed the department to sensitize and mobilize the community about the programme so that a large number of eye patients can benefit, ultimately enabling our state to embrace the visionary dream of a disease-free state in India, he added. He informed that among 170 eye patients who underwent screening tests in all four districts, 21 patients would receive free SQUINT operations during the three-day camp. 

Mr. Ghatani also urged civil societies and social activists to cooperate with people having squint problems for their participation in the camp. He expressed his gratitude to the governor for his extraordinary concept, initiatives, and contributions made to accomplish this historic programme.

Presenting the welcome address, Director General-cum-Secretary Dr. Kumar Bhandari spoke about the overview of the programme and mentioned that the SQUINT operation would be significant in saving eye patients from loss of vision and their psychological problems.

During the camp, doctors from Greater Lions Eye Hospital, Siliguri, will conduct the operations of the patients with the support of the National Programme for Control of Blindness, Health Department, Govt. of Sikkim.

The programme was also attended by the Mission Director, CMO Singtam, SDM Rangpo, HOD Ophthalmology, and other health officials.

Share: