Patna: In a landmark initiative, the Bihar government has partnered with the Sankara Eye Foundation to establish a state-of-the-art super-specialty eye hospital in Patna. The project aims to deliver advanced and affordable eye care, particularly to underprivileged residents.
As per a report, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Health Department, and Padma Shri Dr. R.B. Ramani, Managing Director of the Sankara Eye Foundation India. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar witnessed the signing, marking a significant step toward improving healthcare infrastructure in the state.
The hospital, to be located in Kankarbagh, Patna, will offer free treatment to 75% of its patients. Individuals with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh will qualify for free care, while others will pay for services.
The Bihar government has allocated 1.6 acres of land to the foundation at a token lease of ₹1 for 99 years. Additionally, ₹48 crore was sanctioned during a recent cabinet meeting to facilitate the transfer of land from the Bihar State Housing Board to the Health Department.
The project will be led by the Coimbatore-based Sankara Eye Foundation, known for its expertise in ophthalmology. Construction is expected to be completed within 18 months, and the hospital will provide world-class treatment for a wide range of eye conditions, including retinal detachment and eye cancer, alongside routine eye care services.
Health Minister Mangal Pandey described the collaboration as a major milestone, attributing its success to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s proactive approach following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative.
At the event, Development Commissioner Pratyay Amrit welcomed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Health Minister Mangal Pandey, and other dignitaries, including Water Resource Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.
Once operational, the hospital is expected to become a critical healthcare resource, providing advanced eye care to countless residents of Bihar.
