Kerala Health Minister Veena George praises doctors as hospital performs complex DSEK surgery and expands affordable post-transplant care
Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram Government General Hospital has successfully completed five corneal transplant surgeries within a span of 45 days, highlighting the growing capabilities of the hospital in advanced eye care and drawing attention at the national level.
Advanced Corneal Surgery Performed
Among the procedures, the hospital performed Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK), a highly specialised form of lamellar keratoplasty. In this surgery, only the damaged inner layers of the cornea are replaced while preserving the patient’s healthy tissue.
This technique allows for faster recovery and improved surgical outcomes compared to traditional full-thickness corneal transplants.
Health Minister Praises Hospital Team
Kerala Health Minister Veena George congratulated the medical team for the achievement, calling it a “remarkable milestone for both the state and the nation.”
She noted that the advanced infrastructure required for corneal transplantation at the hospital was established during the tenure of the current state government.
According to the minister, offering such high-cost and technically complex procedures—usually available only in private hospitals—at a government district hospital represents a major step toward improving access to quality eye care.
Dedicated Team Behind the Surgeries
The transplant surgeries were performed by ophthalmologists Dr. Rashmi P. Haridas and Dr. Divya. They were assisted by anesthesiology experts Dr. Ambili and Dr. Madhu, along with nursing officers Bobby and Revathi, transplant coordinator Nadia, and nursing assistant Molly.
The coordinated effort of the multidisciplinary team played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the surgeries.
Affordable Medicines Through Karunyasparsham Initiative
Minister George also highlighted patient support systems introduced by the state government. Patients undergoing transplants can obtain essential post-transplant medicines at significantly reduced prices through the Karunyasparsham programme.
The initiative provides medicines through zero-profit pharmacy counters across Kerala, making expensive transplant and anti-cancer medications more affordable for patients.
Initially launched in 14 selected charitable pharmacies, the programme has expanded to 58 Karunya pharmacies across all 14 districts of the state.
Medicines Available Across Major Government Hospitals
Under the programme, medicines are available at reduced rates in several government healthcare institutions, including Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, Government Victoria Hospital Kollam, General Hospital Pathanamthitta, and government medical college hospitals in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Kozhikode.
District hospitals in Palakkad, Tirur, Mananthavady, Pariyaram Medical College, and the General Hospital in Kasaragod are also part of the initiative.
Boost to Kerala’s Blindness Prevention Efforts
Health officials say the successful completion of multiple corneal transplant procedures within a short period strengthens Kerala’s ongoing efforts in blindness prevention and accessible eye care.
The achievement also positions the Thiruvananthapuram Government General Hospital as a key centre for advanced corneal transplantation services in the country while reinforcing the state’s commitment to equitable and high-quality healthcare for all citizens.
