AIIMS Nagpur to conduct 1000 cataract surgeries for free

This decision comes in response to the reluctance of many patients to undergo surgery with outdated lenses, which has resulted in missed surgical targets in previous years. 

As per the TOI news report, when people visiting the hospital find out that surgeries are being conducted under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment, they often asked about the quality of the lenses. They are fully aware that the lenses are outdated and rigid.

Hence, the patients would prefer to pay for a high-quality lens instead of receiving a low-quality one, which resulted in AIIMS Nagpur failing to meet its target last year. Last year, AIIMS Nagpur only completed 22 out of its target of 350 surgeries due to patients' preference for modern lenses not covered by the program.

Speaking to The Daily, AIIMS Nagpur Director Dr P P Joshi said, “While surgeries are conducted for free, the lenses provided by the government are of old type and rigid. We have decided to use advanced lenses at our own expense and ensure the target is achieved."

Under the National Programme for 2024-25, GMCH Nagpur has been given a target of 3,600 surgeries, while IGGMCH has a target of 3,200 patients. Charity hospitals are expected to conduct 11,253 surgeries, and private hospitals are set to perform 22,508 surgeries this year.

Also read- Nagpur IIM, AIIMS Launch PG Certificate Programme In Advanced Healthcare Management