Munish Sood
Mandi
In a significant healthcare outreach initiative aimed at addressing preventable blindness among economically weaker sections, Bhanoo Hospital, Bagla, organized a free cataract surgery camp in Una district, successfully restoring sight to ten underprivileged patients.
The camp was led by senior ophthalmologist Dr. Kusum Bhanoo, who personally supervised and performed the delicate cataract procedures. The initiative was supported by the Bhanoo Charitable Trust in collaboration with the Dev Bhoomi Foundation, reflecting a coordinated effort to expand access to quality eye care in rural and semi-urban regions of Himachal Pradesh.
According to hospital authorities, the primary objective of the camp was to provide advanced ophthalmic treatment free of cost to patients who otherwise struggle to afford specialized eye surgeries. Cataract, a leading cause of avoidable blindness in India, continues to affect thousands, particularly among elderly and economically disadvantaged populations. Timely surgical intervention remains the most effective solution, but financial constraints often delay treatment, resulting in prolonged visual impairment.
The one-day camp began with comprehensive eye examinations, during which several patients were screened. Ten patients diagnosed with advanced cataract were selected for immediate surgery. The procedures were conducted using modern surgical techniques and sterile protocols to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. All surgeries were reported to be successful, and patients were discharged with post-operative care instructions and follow-up schedules.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhanoo emphasized the importance of early detection and timely surgical intervention in preventing blindness. She stated that community-based camps are essential in bridging healthcare gaps, particularly in hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh, where access to specialized medical services can be limited. She further reiterated the hospital’s commitment to continuing such humanitarian initiatives in the future.
Representatives of the Bhanoo Charitable Trust noted that the trust has consistently worked toward providing affordable and free healthcare services to vulnerable communities. The collaboration with Dev Bhoomi Foundation was described as a collective effort to strengthen grassroots medical outreach and ensure that financial hardship does not stand between patients and essential medical care.
Beneficiaries of the camp expressed immense relief and gratitude. Several elderly patients shared that deteriorating vision had significantly impacted their daily lives, limiting mobility and independence. The successful surgeries, they said, have given them a renewed sense of confidence and improved quality of life.
Local residents and community leaders appreciated the initiative, calling it a much-needed intervention in the region. They urged more healthcare institutions to organize similar outreach programs to address preventable medical conditions among underserved populations.
Healthcare experts underline that India accounts for a significant percentage of global cataract cases, making community-level screening and surgery camps vital in reducing the burden of avoidable blindness. Initiatives such as this not only restore vision but also enhance social participation, productivity, and overall well-being.
With the success of the Una camp, Bhanoo Hospital has indicated plans to conduct similar free medical camps in other districts of Himachal Pradesh in the coming months, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and compassionate healthcare delivery.
