CM stresses on robust healthcare infrastructure
Eye Hospital inaugurated; Healthcare workers urged for compassionate treatment of patients
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 04 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren on Sunday inaugurated Wangkhei Eye Hospital at Wangkhei Andro Parking in Imphal East district.
Addressing the inaugural function as chief guest, CM Biren stressed on the roles of doctors and nurses in the treatment of patients with full compassion so as to ensure their speedy recovery.
He also highlighted the need for having robust infrastructure and adequate man-power while reminding that, "we saw this during the recent Covid-19 pandemic and how we managed to overcome the pandemic collectively and unitedly" .
Acknowledging the importance of infrastructure and man power, the government is encouraging both private, government and PPP models, and taking up development of infrastructure.
Institutions like the Churachandpur Medical College, private medical college under Shija and increasing number of MBBS seats at JNIMS are part of the government's initiative, he maintained.
Further stating that the on going construction of Cancer Hospital at JNIMS was earli er targeted for completion by December, the chief'minister explained that the target has been affected due to rain and might be opened by February though the OPD service has already been started.
He also highlighted other infrastructure developments while stating that oxygen plants and ICU beds have been installed in all the district hospitals and 24x7 solar power supply facility taken up in three districts hospitals in Churachandpur, Chandel and Tamenglong.
Stating that health is everything, the CM told the gather ing about the Chief Minister's Health for All for ensuring regular health check-up at the doorsteps.
He also elaborated on the benefits of the scheme and said that through this scheme, the public can identify critical ailments at an early stage, which enables them to begin early treatment thereby increasing the chances of getting cured.
So far, over three lakh individuals from around 800 villages have been screened for 10 diseases under the scheme, he said.
CM Biren further said that improvement of healthcare is not just about setting up hospitals, but also strengthening man-power and improving the infrastructures.
Eye-care is also very important, he said and lauded private individuals, who come out for the service of the people.
To the people of the state, the CM said, "We can reach the top in any field if we are united and cooperate with one another.
We have the talents, killer instinct, potential and calibre to reach the very top" .
"Determination and conviction bring success in any held and we cannot reach our goal without struggle.
Today, Manipur is also moving forward with the blessings of the people," he added.
The CM also reflected on the success of the Manipur Sangai Festival this year and how Prime Minister Narendra Modi compared Manipur as a mini-India after witnessing the tourism festival, which also promoted the oneness of different indigenous communities of the state.
The CM further wished for grand success and bright future to the new hospital while assuring all possible assistance from the side of the government.
Started as a small single room clinic, the hospital has become an all-round destination for eye care and treatment.
Besides, the hospital is playing a major role in employment generation, he said.
The hospital has been empaneled for Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Manipur Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang services, he added.
Wangkhei Eye Hospital director Dr Sharungbam Boby said that he began his journey as a small clinic 12 years ago.
After a couple of years, it was expanded and renamed as Gunamani Eye Clinic by employing 10 staff.
He bought the plot for the hospital in 2017 and the construction work began from 2018.It became a full-fledged hospital from May 1, 2021 onwards with OPD service, optical store, pharmacy, operation theatre, OCT, YAG laser, green laser, A+B ultrasound scan, pachymetry, Fundus imaging, non-contact and applanation tonometer, automated perimeter facilities, etc., he said.
The hospital is also offering training on ophthalmic technology and internship to optometrist students.
So far, the hospital has provided OPD services to over 35,000 patients.
In the short span, the hospital had carried out several surgeries for cataract, pterygium, entropion, trabeculectomy, punctal snip, DCT, DCR, Anti-VEGF injections, excision of mass, incision and curettage among others.
It is planning to provide international standard eye care facilities and services to the people of the state, elaborated, adding that the hospital is being formally inaugurated on the day of his father's birth anniversary.
Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata, health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, Guwahati founder, medical director, president and trustee Dr Harsha Bhattacharjee attended the programme among others.
Staff of the hospital with excellent performance and several individuals were also encouraged with presentation of appreciation awards on the occasion.