State Government Expands Corneal Transplant Network to Improve Access to Specialized Eye Care
In a significant step towards strengthening eye care services, the Jharkhand Department of Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare has approved three additional hospitals, including one private healthcare facility, to perform corneal transplant surgeries. The move is expected to improve access to specialized ophthalmic care and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside the state.
With the latest approvals, the total number of hospitals authorized to conduct corneal transplants in Jharkhand has increased to 11.
Three Hospitals Receive Five-Year Approval
The newly approved institutions are:
- IRIS Super Speciality Eye Care Centre
- Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur
- Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital (MGMMCH), Ranchi
The approvals were granted by the advisory committee constituted under the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011. After evaluating the hospitals on technical, legal, and infrastructural parameters, the committee issued registrations valid for five years.
Two Hospitals Denied Registration
The Health Department also reviewed proposals from two other institutions. However, their applications were rejected as they failed to meet the prescribed standards for trained human resources and essential medical equipment required for corneal transplant procedures.
Government Aims to Strengthen Organ and Tissue Transplant Services
According to Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, Ajoy Kumar Singh, the expansion of approved transplant centres is part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen organ and tissue transplant services. The initiative aims to ensure that patients receive quality and timely treatment within Jharkhand, reducing their dependence on healthcare facilities in other states for specialized eye care.
Only Two Hospitals Currently Performing Corneal Transplants
Despite the increase in approved facilities, Dr. Sunil Kumar, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and a member of the advisory committee, stated that only two hospitals are currently performing corneal transplant surgeries in the state.
These include:
- Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO), RIMS, Ranchi
- Kashyap Eye Hospital, Ranchi
The remaining approved institutions are expected to begin services after completing operational and logistical requirements.
Low Organ and Tissue Donation Remains a Challenge
Dr. Manisha Kujur, State Nodal Officer of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), highlighted that the number of organ and tissue donation pledges in Jharkhand remains comparatively low. She emphasized the need for greater public awareness to encourage eye and organ donation, which is crucial for increasing the availability of donor corneas and improving outcomes for patients suffering from corneal blindness.
Strengthening Eye Care in Jharkhand
The approval of three new corneal transplant centres marks an important milestone in enhancing Jharkhand’s healthcare infrastructure. As more hospitals become operational and awareness about organ and tissue donation improves, the state is expected to provide better access to sight-restoring surgeries and advanced ophthalmic care for its residents.
