STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: As part of the ongoing Organ Donation Awareness Campaign, directed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Charitable Hospital (SVMMCH), Amphalla, Jammu, organized a lecture-cum-awareness programme aimed at sensitizing hospital staff about the importance of organ donation, with a special focus on eye donation. The hospital has been actively conducting such awareness activities since its application for recognition as a Corneal Transplant Centre, reaffirming its commitment to preventing corneal blindness through public engagement and clinical service.
Blindness, particularly corneal blindness, remains a preventable and treatable cause of visual impairment. While the demand for donor corneas is high, the number of eye donations in India remains critically low. Addressing this gap, the hospital took a commendable step by encouraging its staff to not only pledge their eyes but also act as ambassadors to spread awareness among the larger community.
A key highlight of the event was a thought-provoking lecture delivered by Dr. Suruchi Gupta, Chief Consultant – Ophthalmology, who dispelled common myths and misconceptions surrounding eye donation. She highlighted the ease of the donation process and presented moving success stories of patients who had undergone corneal transplants at SVMMCH. These stories, marked by restored vision and renewed lives, served as powerful motivation for the attendees.
Hospital Management Committee officials present on the occasion included Amar Chand Gupta (Senior Vice President), B.B. Gupta (General Secretary), B.S. Jamwal (Secretary), Mohan Singh Chouhan (Treasurer), Shankar Dutt Sharma (Member), along with Dr. Arvind Kohli (Medical Director), Dr. Romesh Gupta (Administrator), and Iqbal Deep Singh (Manager).
Speaking at the event, Amar Chand Gupta shared the remarkable achievement of the hospital in successfully completing four corneal transplant surgeries, with all patients now fully recovered and enjoying healthy, productive lives. He credited this accomplishment to the hospital’s dedicated medical and support staff.
Dr. Arvind Kohli, Medical Director, emphasized, “This milestone is not just a medical achievement but a testimony to what can be accomplished when skill, teamwork, and a spirit of service come together.”
Dr. Romesh Gupta, Administrator, added, “Our goal is to integrate such humanitarian initiatives into everyday healthcare practices and inspire others to participate in this noble mission.”
Special appreciation extended to Dr. Suruchi Gupta, Gurjeet Singh (OT Technician), Kewal Kumar (Transplant Coordinator), Vikram Chand (Ophthalmic Assistant), Anita Tak, and Sonu Singh for their crucial roles in ensuring the success of the transplants. Their efforts embody the hospital’s mission of service, compassion, and medical excellence.
The event witnessed wholehearted participation from the hospital’s consultants and staff, many of whom came forward to pledge their eyes, reflecting a shared commitment to the noble cause of restoring sight and spreading awareness.
