Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, April 07 2010:
A oneday free surgery for cataract and cleft lip and palate under the aegis of National Programme for Control of Blindness and Smile Train Shija Cleft project was held at Comprehensive Health Service Research Centre (CHSRC), Hamleikhong, here yesterday.
All together 237 eye patients turned up for registration, and out of which 44 were refered to Shija hospital for major eye cataract operation at free of cost including to and fro traveling charges.
Out of these 44 patients, 10 octogenarians and children were brought to Imphal today itself at Shija Hospital.
Four children were also brought for lip and palate surgery.
Talking to The Sangai Express Dr Elvino said, altogether more than 2000 patients have been operated upon for cleft and palate surgery including patients coming from outside the State.
Elvino informed that the actual cost of the cleft lip and palate surgery per person ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25000 .
However under the said project the patient is given all the expenses in free of cost including the travel expenses so that the poor persons or family may attend and take the opportunity, he added.
Dr Nelson Vashum, MD Surgeon and founder of CHSRC informed that under CHSRC a mobile team is being operated in collaboration with Operation Blessing India (OBI) Hyderabad and conducted free medical camps supplying free medicines and free spectacles for the visually impaired people.
Many poor and neglected rural dwellers are given the service at their doorstep.
"We are also collaborating with the Government, NGOs and churches to educate the people about various health and social issues facing the society especially maternal and child health and HIV/AIDS." , he added.
The same free surgery and the medical camp will be held on April 10 at Somtal village and followed by Phungyar sub-division on April 26 .