NGO to perform 550 free cataract surgeries

Chandigarh, November 1

A local NGO is organising a free mega camp for eye surgeries from today to November 13 to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Guru Ka Langar Eye Hospital, Sector 18-B, will perform 550 eye cataract surgeries, 55 surgeries of retina and 55 cornea transplants. As many as 550 injections of avastin will also be administered to patients. In addition to eye treatment, 55 free dentures will also be given.

Patients will also be given travel expenses and their attendants will get ‘langar’ and lodging facilities from various gurdwaras.

Harjit Singh Sabharwal, general secretary of the NGO, said: “The hospital saw a surge in patients’ footfall in February 2018 when a video about the ‘sewa’ went viral on the social media. Since then, we have performed over 15,000 cataract surgeries for free.” From March this year, they have transplanted cornea of 132 patients.

Sabharwal, a Bhagat Puran Singh awardee, said: “Due to poverty, numerous people can’t afford eye surgeries. Our mission is to help such people, following the concept of Sarbat da bhala”.

The registration timing for the OPD is from 8 am to 10 am. — TNS