March 1999 Sankara Nethralaya Number21
Sankara Nethralaya’s New Horizon
Any good organization needs to grow to meet increasing demands for its services while continuing to maintain the same excellence in quality. Sankara Nethralaya is no different.
Founded in 1978 at a modest premise in Vijaya Hospital, Chennai, the hospital moved the very next year to its present location at 18 College Road, Chennai. This too proved insufficient and in 1983 the Sri V. Venugopal Block was inaugurated to house in-patients. The situation again demanded expansion after a few years and the answer to this was the opening of the new Mahyco Block in 1993.
And now this is already proving to be too small!
In what can be considered another important milestone in the hospital’s 20 year history, Sankara Nethralaya has acquired the neighbouring Willingdon Hospital.
With ever increasing number of patients seeking treatment at Sankara Nethralaya and the long waiting list for operations, Willingdon comes as heaven sent opportunity to Sankara Nethralaya to expand its services to meed the demands of its patients will into the next century.
Sankara Nethralaya’s Story of excellence is due to several factors not least of which is the continuous generous support of philanthropic organizations and individuals. You have strengthened our hands in our battle against blindness.
We stand today at the dawn of the new millennium, with our newest addition to the Nethralaya family – Willingdon Hospital. We are ever hopeful that your support will allow us to continue to serve you to the best of our abilities for many days to come.
The Sankaraq Nethralaya Family wishes you all a Very Happy New Year
Service with Silence
Dada J.P.Vaswani visited Sankara Nethralaya on December 5, 1998 and blessed the patients and employees. The following words of wisdom are based on a speech given by Dadaji on the occasion.
Friends and fellow labourers. It is such a joy to be here at Sankara Nethralaya this morning This hospital is dedicated to the great idea of service and I thought I would speak to you about service.
SERVICE WITH SILENCE
One of the most important things to remember regarding service is silence. We must serve silently. Whatever service you do, do it silently. Today there is so much of clamour and noise in giving service. We do a little work and we create so much noise. We do a little service and then spend a sleepless and anxious night waiting to get up in the morning to scan the newspaper to see if our little service has been mentinoned there.
This is not service. This is the very death of service.
I remember a man who once visited a slum. He carried with him a number of tins of milk powder, which he wanted to distribute to the slum dwellers. The poor came and stood silently in line waiting for the turn. Several minutes passed and the hitherto patient crowd became restive. “Why is this man not distributing any milk powder?” they asked themselves. It was then discovered that the man was waiting for a newspaper photographer to arrive. He wanted the photographer to take his picture in the act of distributing milk powder to the poor. This is not service. This is the death of service.
I sometimes shed tears when I think of the shadows we run after – name, fame, earthly greatness, popularity and publicity. The true shakti of India is not in these shadows, but in the life of those who serve silently. I dream of a day when bands of young men and women will eschew all things that are false and fleeting and dedicate themselves to the service of teaming millions of this country.
I remember when we were once in a beautiful garden one day, with our master Sadhu Vaswani. He pointed out some flowers to us and he said to us, “See how these flowers bloom silently. Even so you must learnt to serve silently. As these flowers bloom they spread their fragrance and beauty all around, but silently. See how the sun shines upon millions of creatures upon the earth spreading warmth and light and sustaining life. But it does this silently. Even so you must serve silently. SERVICE WITH HUMILITY
The second tenet of service is to serve humbly. Do not think that you are doing a kindness for those whom you are serving. It should be the other way. They are giving you an opportunity to be of service to them and thereby allowing you to repay the debt that we all owe to the less fortunate. We have received many blessings from God and the Universe. We carry that debt always and to repay that debt, we must serve the less fortunate, the blind, the handicapped and the poor. It has been said that service is the rent that we pay for inhabiting this body. We should serve keeping this spirit of service in our mind. It is not to do a kindness to others. In every jiva there is shiva. The Lord dwells within the heart of everyone. Every poor man or a sick person who comes to us is an image of the eternal, an image of God. I often tell doctors that they are so fortunate. When we have to serve we go out in quest of people whom we may be able to serve, but to doctors they come unasked.
They come to you unasked in suffering and pain. Every hospital should be like Sankara Nethralaya, a temple of healing. It should be a gateway to heaven. If you work in the true spirit of this hospital, you will go straight to heaven. The way is open to you. It is in this spirit of humility that we should serve.
When you serve in this spirit of humility you do not ask anything in return for your service, not even a simple word of thanks. There are so many people who serve the community and the nation but they ask for something in return. That is bartering or shop keeping and not service. You go to a shopkeeper and only if you give him money will he give you something in return. We must serve without any thought of receiving anything in return.
A man once came to my teacher Sadhu Vaswani and said, “I have served the community for over twenty years, Now I want them to elect me to a seat in the Lok Sabha”. And Sadhu Vaswani said to him, “My friend, the only reward of service is more service. That is all that you can ask for. Not a seat in the Lok Sabha:.
To Serve with Your Hands
When we learn to serve humbly, we learn to serve with our hands. Manual work is a necessary element of service done in a spirit of humility. We must learn to work with our own hands. Dr. Albert Schweitzer was once regarded as the greatest living man of the twentieth century. Dr. Schweitzer renounced everything – name, fame, earthly wealth, and went to work in the forests of Africa because he learnt that there were no doctors to serve the people there. He used to work in the hospital and in his spare time he used to go to the forest to cut down trees. He used to bring all those logs of timber on his shoulders to build a hospital for the natives. One day as he was carrying a load of timber he found that the weight of the logs was too heavy for him. In front of him stood a well dressed educated native. Dr. Schweitzer asked that man, “My friend, will you not share this burden with me?” The native was affronted. He said stiffly, “Don’t you know Sir, that I am an educated person?” And Dr.Schweitzer, who had four doctorates in theology, philosogy, medicine and music, smiled and said, “I am happy that I am not educated”.
There are three other aspects to true service but I have spoken to you today on two that I have learnt from the spirit of Sankara Nethralaya – to serve silently and with humility.
The Song of Shantideva
In ancient India there was once a prince named Shantideva. He was to be crowned king. On the eve of his coronation he heard a voice which said, “Shantideva, Shantideva. Not for you the joys of kingship. Renounce, renounce and became a servant of the poor and needy.” In response to this call Shantideva renounced his kinghip. He put away his royal robes and wore the garb of mendicant and entered a tapovana, a forest of meditation, and like his great master, Lord Gautama Buddha, Shantideva lived a life of austerity for some years until he attained enlightenment. He then returned to the world and become a teacher in the Nalanda University. One day his students asked him, “Master teach us a prayer which we may offer everyday”. So Shantideva taught them a prayer which we call the Song of Shantideva. I was reminded of this prayer when I entered Sankara Nethralaya today. I believe the spirit of this prayer is enshrined in the soul of this hospital.
This is the song of Shantideva:
May I be for all who ail, A doctor and nurse. May I give food and drink, For those who suffer the pangs of hunger and thirst.
May I be a defender of those, Who forsaken lie on the road. May I be to the poor, A treasure untold.
May I be a lamp that sheds light, To those who have lost their way. And may I be a boat and a bridge, For those who long for the other shore.
With these words which I believe are amply borne witness to by the Sankara Nethralaya family, I thank you. Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
HOW A RUPEE OF INCOME IS UTILISED
OM TRUST
OPHTHALMIC MISSION TRUST INC.
The ophthalmic Mission (OM) Trust, Inc. a registered non-profit association in Maryland, USA has been conceived to provide American assistance to Sankara Nethralaya to enable it to carry out existing projects and implement future development plans. The Government of India permitted Medical Research Foundation to accept contributions from foreign countries and the OM Trust was accorded tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service, USA.
MR S V ACHARYA, Secretary and Treasurer Ophthalmic Mission Trust Inc. (OM TRUST) 14613, Pommel Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, U.S.A. Phone: (301)251 0378 Fax: (202)293 0448
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THE AIM
To continue to provide the same quality of care that Sankara Nethralaya is famous for to an ever increasing number of patients.
One of Sankara Nethralaya’s cardinal policies is to provide expert ophthalmic care at an affordable level for the middle class section of society. We are also committed to provide words we are a non – profit and charitable institution. You can therefore understand that our income alone is insufficient to undertake modernization and expansion.
THE PLAN The Willingdon Hospital in Pycrofts Gardon Road is located very near to the main hospital.
It comprises two buildings located in a land area of over an acre. One building will serve as an exclusive Community Ophthalmology Centre catering to patients belonging to the poor socio- economic status (those with a monthly income of less than Rs.1750/-).
Both building together will provide an additional 10 operation theatres and 170 beds. We are in the process of renovating the premises to suit our specific needs. The Willingdon Plan will increase our capacity two fold, and will help us in giving spot appointments [both Outpatient and Surgery] for those who cannot afford to wait for surgeries either due to business/ professional commitments.
It will also substantially increase the quantum of community work directed towards performing sight saving surgeries on the deserving poor patients living in the villages.
THE NEED Rs. 30 Crore.
Donations are used for modernization. Updating and expansion. It is this money that is used to buy new equipment and keep Sankara Nethralaya at the forefront of the medical profession.
The capital expenditure of the Willingdon project works out to Rs.30 Crore.
To carry forward this progress and to successfully tackle the challenges ahead, we need your help. Please consider making a tax deductable donation to Sankara Nethralaya today.
WHY SANKARA NETHRALAYA? Eminent lawyer and former chairman of ACC Mr.Nani Ardeshwar Palkhivala has willed most of his savings and substantial part of his assets, including a vast library, to the Chennai-based charitable eye-care center Sankara nethralaya.
Mr. Palkhivala confirmed, : I have decided to give most of what I have to Sankara Nethralaya, as it is the best managed chairtable organization in India.”
- Business Standard
CAN YOU HELP
You have been supportive of our crusade against blindness by your generous financial support over the years, We seek your help.
Donations to “Sankara Nethralaya” in support of the ophthalmic care to the ophthalmic care to the needy will entitle you 100% tax exemption U/s.35AC and U/s.80GGA of the Income Tax Act 1961 and your contributions to Ophthalmic Research in favour of “ Vision Research Foundation” will give you 100% tax exemption U/s.35(I) (I) of Income Tax Act 1961.
We hope that all of your will pitch in with a contribution, however big or small. Whatever you offer will be big for us as it comes with your best wishes and love for our cause.
THE CONCERT
As part of our fund raising effort for the Willingdon Plan a benefit concert by Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan accompanied by Ustad Zakir Hussain on the tabla, has been arranged on 17th February 1999 at the National Centre for Performing Arts, Mumbai.
The Friends of Sankara Nethralaya and the women’s section of the Indian Merchants association especially Smt. Smita Parekh and Smt. Nilima Kilachand are assisting in the organization of the concert.
YES, I WOULD LIKE TO HELP
For questions about tax exempt status and contributions, please contact:
In India Dr. S S Badrinath, Chairman, Sankara Nethralaya (UNIT OF MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION) 18, College Road, Chennai 600 006. Phone : 826 1265, 827 1616 Fax : (044) 825 4180 Internet e-mail : [email protected]
In U.S.A. Mr. S V Acharya, Secretary and Treasurer Ophthalmic Mission Trust Inc.(OM Trust) 14613, Pommel Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, U.S.A. Phone : (301) 251 0378 Fax : (202) 293 0448
LOOK US UP ON THE WEB at http://www.dynacs.com/-sankaranethralaya/
Recent Advances in Corneal & Refractive Surgery On 17th & 18th February 1999
At Hotel Taj Coramandel 17, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Chennai – 600 034.
Guest Faculty
Dr. Anupam Chatterjee, UK Dr. Dennis Lam, Hong Kong Dr. Donald Tan, Singapore Dr. Indu Singh, India Dr. Shigeru Kinoshita, Japan Dr. Srinivasan M, India Dr. Viswanath P, Singapore
Sankara Nethralaya Faculty
Dr. Madhavan H N Dr. Prema Padmanabhan Dr. Rajesh Fogla Dr. Rama Rajagopal Dr. Sitalakshmi G Dr. Srinivas K Rao
Topic Highlights
LASIK – Technique, Result & Complications Limbal Transplantation Ocular Surface Reconstruction Pterygium Management Dry Eye – Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies Infectious Keratitis – A Rational Approach Penetrating Keratoplasty – Challenges Immunosuppressives in Ophthalmology Keratoprosthesis
For further information contact : Ms. Muthulakshmi Secretary – Cornea Service Sankara Nethralaya 18, College Road, Chennai – 600 006 Phone : 827 1616 Fax : 91-44-825 4180 E-mail : [email protected]
ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF EDINBURGH
SECTIONS B & C FELLOWSHIP EXAMINATION IN OPHTHALMOLOGY
AT SANKARA NETHRALAYA, CHENNAI INDIA
Monday 20th September 1999 to Saturday 25th September 1999
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh will conduct an Examination for the Diploma of Fellowship in Chennai, India in the optional subject of Ophthalmology as detailed hereunder:
Requests for further information may be obtained from the Information Desk, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW (Tel: 0131 527 1677, Fax: 0131 527 1621 and Email: [email protected]) or from Dr.K.Ravishankar, C.U.Shah Ophthalmic Post Graduate Training Centre, Unit of Medical Research Foundation, 18 College Road, Chennai 600 006 (Tel: 0091 44 8261260, 8361365, 8261260,8265482,8271838, 8271616, 8279435, Fax: 0091 44 82541 80, Email: [email protected]).
Application for admission to these examinations MUST be made to the Examination Officer, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW.
No application will be accepted after the closing date for receipt of applications. Please not that there is a limited number of places available. It is therefore suggested that candidates should apply for the Examination as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
The CLOSING DATE for the receipt of applications for admission to these examination is WEDNESDAY, 7th JULY 1999. The College reserve the right to cancel the examinations should there be insufficient candidates and to restrict numbers should this be necessary.
The fee for this examination is POUND STRELING 600/-
Cheques or Bank Drafts should be made payable to the “Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh”
- October 1998
CATARACT SURGERY what is the newest technique?
Nearly all cataracts today are removed by extracapsular surgery, in which the posterior capsule of the natural lens is left in place to support the plastic replacement lens which is implanted at the time of surgery. There are two types of extracapsular surgery.
1. The earlier technique requires a large 10 – 12 mm incision, through which the hard central portion of the lens (nucleus) is taken out in one piece. The surgical wound is then closed with sutures.
2. In phacoemulsification, the hard nucleus is broken into small pieces by ultrasound energy, within the eye. The resulting lens emulsate is aspirated using an instrument inserted into the eye through 2.8-3.2 mm incision. This small incision closes securely without the need for sutures – the so-called “Sutureless cataract surgery”. This surgical approach results in increased intra and postoperative safety, quick wound healing and early visual and physical rehabilitation of the patint.
“Despite some public misconception, laser is not an option for removing cataracts at this time. There are laser devices for cataract removal under investigation, but none are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.”
“.. The proverbial “ ZAP” of the laser and the cataract is gone while the patient sits in the chair will never happen, since a very small incision will always be needed to physically remove the cataractous material.”
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology
Fragmentation of the lens nucleus can also be achieved using a erbium: Yag laser, and is termed ‘Photophacofragmentation’ or ‘laser cataract surgery’. Such a procedure involves surgery and uses an incision in the eye similar to that used in phacoemulsification. The first surgery in a human patient, using this device, was performed as recently as july 1991. Since then, except for occasional small studies, no large scale series has been published. In a recently reported study (Stevens et al. Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers, March 1998;29: pp 185-9) the authors report their results in 15 patients undergoing cataract removal usng the erbium: YAG laser. In 6 of the 15 surgeries conversion to the standard ultrasound surgical technique was required to complete the surgery.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is considered the apex organization for ophthalmology with a membership of over 25,000 ophthalmologists from around the world. The cataract Q & A Archive in their Internet website states that laser is not an option for removing cataracts at this time (see box).
Phacoemulsification has gained in popularity in recent years and is now the most common form of cataract removal in the United States and many other countries. This procedure has been used for approximately 25 years and recent advances in instrumentation and technique has made if safer and more effective than previously. Thus, although the procedure has been in use for a while, it would still be the “newest” procedure for cataract removal.
THE AWARD – Before and After
Dr. Jyotirmay Biswas, Head of the Dept of Ocular Pathology writes about his experience on receiving the pretigious Hari Om Ashram Alembic Research award from the President of India
About 3 o’clock on 4th September 1998, Dr Raizada, my research fellow came to my clinic and told me that I had to give him a treat as I had received an award. I wondered what award it could be? I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had got the Hari Om Ashram Alembic Research award in the category of Clinical Research for the year 1997 by the Medical Council of India. My mind went back to 15 years ago when Chief (Dr.Badrinath) introduced me to research, while I was assisting him during a surgery of vitreous haemorrhage. Chief told me tha I had to study the microscopic aspects of vitrectomy specimens. I worked sincerely, made smears, measured specific gravity, and ultimately used cytospin techniques. I wrote the Materials, Methods and Results of the scientific paper but I did not know how to write the discussion, as I had never written a paper before. I surrendered to Chief and frankly asked his help. It was 1.30 p.m. on a Sunday. He wrote the discussion by hand in 15 minutes. It was about 2 pages long. That was my first paper.
Later, I got a letter from the Medical Council of India informing me that none else but the President of India will be giving the award on the 28th October 1998. My wife Shubhra, my daughter Sumedha, and I went to Delhi. A day before the award presentation, I went to the Medical Council of India. They categorically told me that Sumedha being a 6-year-old would not be allowed inside Rashtrapathi Bhawan.
I went early as there was a rehearsal. I was pleasantly surprised to see my teacher in PGIMER. Chandigarh Dr.S.M. Bose, who was equally surprised to see me in this elite group of academics. He knew me more as a Bengali student leader when I has organized a big Saraswati pooja in PGIMER, Chandigarh!
At the rehersal, somebody acted like the President of India and we received the same certificate with a medal. Of course we had to return it! We were also told us how to pose for photographs.
After the rehearsal, I met the ADC of the President and asked him whether my daughter, who was 6-years old could be allowed. Sumedha tried to look as old as possible so that she could be taken for an 8-year-old. But the nice ADC told me that Sumedha could attend as his personal guest. This was cleared by a prompt call on the walkie-talkie and Sumedha had a royal reception at the Rashtrapathi Bhawan. It was a great honour to receive the award from the President of India. He recognized that I was from Sankara Nethralaya.
After the award presentations, we were supposed to take a group photograph with the President of India. We had been instructed earlier that people in the front and second rows would exchange places in the photographs. A well-planned rational approach. But it did not work out because the emient people as scheduled! This resulted in my having to explain to my relatives and friends why I was not seen on TV or in the newspaper in the group photographs. The sandwiches at the tea were the best I had ever eaten. (Never miss an opportunity to go to Rashtrapathi Bhawan party).
I know what it means getting a research award in our country. In fact it is extremely hard to measure the quality of research work and to choose somebody for the same. I know of at least 25 people who are doing sincere research in ophthalmology in India. Any of them could have been the recipient of this award. I also know the amount of joy and frustration that one gets doing research work.
Research is a result of teamwork, which involves my technicians, my fellows, my colleagues who provide the clinical data and allow me to correlate information. It is not like Mrs. Jyotirmoyee Sikdar breasting the tape at the ASIAD in Bangkok. Many people guide me and do not hesitate to point out my mistakes, like Chief, Prof. H.N.Madhavan, Dr.Lingam Gopal, and Dr.Tarun Sharma to name a few . I also remember the support given to me by Mr. S.P.Govindarajan, my past and present secretaries, never got tired making drafts for the same paper (which sometimes even exceeds 45 drafts). I thank them. I think this award will stimulate me. But even if I had not received it, I would have worked at the same pace. As Madame Curie said, “It is not necessary to lead such an unusual existence as mine, I have given a great deal of time to Science, because I wanted to, because I loved research”.
Even if you do not ask me to whom I should be greatful for getting the research award I would like to mention the support extended to me by my wife, who got tired of me for sure but did not really throw me out of my house. Indeed my first paper from Nethralaya in the international journal (Retina) which I had sent for publication, was returned with a candid comment that I had to drastically reduce the length of the paper. It was a case of primary amyloidosis of the vitreous. I had written 11 pages and with a lot of difficulty I could reduce it to 7 pages. All the sentences appeared to be my offspring and I could not disown any of them. I gave it to Shubhra, she rewrote it in one and a helf pages.
She was in the last month of pregnancy at that time and had nothing better to do. The editorial board first decided to accept the paper as a “Letter to the Editor”, but later on changed their minds and accepted it as an article. Since then I have published 59 articles and 21 chapters. But frankly speaking my wife, Dr. Shubhra, did the crucial part of the work in my first article. Unfortunately the Retina journal did not allow me to acknowledge her assistance.
Dr. Biswas with Dr.Narsing Rao (right)
I also bow my head to Dr. Narsing A Rao , my teacher. In fact I may be envied for having had the fortune of having the affection of two great human Chief and Dr. Rao. Dr. Rao not only taught me but also supported my research.
I also remember Dr. Arup Das, who taught me how to organize oneself in research and set priorities. I remember Dr. Deepak Edward a staunch critic of mine who never hesitated to tear me to pieces so many times. I can always feel his presence in me stimulating me to ask questions and to enjoy research and teaching.
And last but not the least, I thank all my patients, who have been patient with me!
- Dr. Jyotimay Biswas NETHRALAYA NEWS
Conferences Attended
Dr. Rajat Agarwal Made a scientific presentation title “ Macular changes in Eales’ disease” at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology at New Orieans, USA in November 1998.
The Annual meeting of the All India Ophthalmological Society was held in Cochin, Kerala and a large contingent from Sankara Nethralaya headed by Medical Director Dr. T.S. Surendran actively participated in the proceedings. Sankara Nethralaya alumni also met on this occasion. This unique meeting on a boat cruise was organized by former fellow Dr. Giridhar.
The 3rd Internatonal Meet organized by SNEC, Singapore was attended by Drs.K.Ravishankar, Sudha Ganesh, Lakshmi Mahesh and Navin Jaykumar. 8 lectures were delivered on this occasion mainly on cataract surgery.
Dr. Prema Padmanabhan, Asst. Medical Director and Head of the Cornea Service received the prestigious Rustom Ranji Oration Award by the Andhra Pradesh State Ophthalmological Society at their annual meeting in November 1998. On the occasion she delivered a lecture on “Ocular surface reconstruction – recent advances”.
TQM - THE NEW MANTRA AT SN
TQM or Total Quality Management is the new mantra in management circles. Sankara Nethralaya is not far behind in making a start to incorporate new management ideas into its administration to improve productivity and customer satisfaction. Incorporating TQM in the hospital is a natural follow up of the hospital receiving the ISO 9002 quality assurance certification.
Mr. M.S. Jayaraman, Dr. T.V. Subramanian and Mr. A.V.Ranga Ramanujam are assisting the staff of Sankara Nethralaya in their pursuit of 100% good service.
Why 100% you may ask. The answer lies in a speech made by Fred Smith, CEO of Federal Express, winner of the Malcolm Baldridge Quality Award in the services industry category, “Just consider what we, as customers, would have to settle for from some of our most importantservices if things were done correctly even 99.99% of the time:2 unsafe landing at Chicago’s O’ Hare airport, 20,000 incorrect drug prescriptions per year, 500 bungled surgical operations each week, 50 new- born babies dropped at birth each day, and 22,000 cheques deducted from the worng bank account each hour. Can you imagine accepting that kind of performance? Why, we’d never get off the ground. We would drive everywhere, keep our money in a shoebox, and practice celibacy the rest of our lives’!
Lt.Gen. R Jayaswal, Dr. Brenda Gallie Director General, Armed Foreces Hospital for Sick Children j{tà Medical Services, Ministry of Toronto, Canada Defence, New Delhi Thank you for your warm à{xç {täx hospitality. I see here a rare and It was a great pleasure to go around precious camaraderie that puts this unique most advanced Sankara Nethralaya in an excellent ophthalmological center fully position to achieve your goals for át|w equipped with latest facilities giving humanity. The human spirit and with latest facilities giving excellent generosity you share is too rare in technical care to its clientele. It is a the rest of the world. I look forward fully research oriented center doing to future collaborations! advanced research work expected from any advanced center in the world.
Dada Vaswani Mr. B. P. Singh, Pune Former Union Home Secretary, North Block, New Delhi It has been at once an experience and a blessing to visit Sankara I came here to get my eyes tested Nethralaya. I feel like having come and this was under the belief that here on a pilgrimage. Sankara Sankara Nethralaya under the Nethralaya build by one of India’s leadership of Dr Badrinath is our truly great men, Dr Badrinath who best Centre. This belief after my is a picture of devotion, dedication visit to various branches of the and dynamism, is verily a temple Hospital got duly converted into of Healing. May such Temples what I may call ‘ national belief”. If multiply in India and give sight to makes me feel proud as an Indian the sightless! Can there be a and more particularly as this center nobler service than this? is a post 1947 phenomenon. May this institution grow and continue to retain its leadership among centers of excellence!
Sri. Sunil K. Pandya, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai
Sri. R.M.Lala I came to visit this institute primed Dr. Ravi Thomas Director, Sri Dorabji Tata Trust, by accounts from ophthalmic Professor and Head of the Mumbai. surgeons, other scientists and Department of Ophthalmology, patients. I leave – after an all too C.M.C. Vellore India needs a hundred Sankara brief tour of the institute, full of awe Finally! ! Nethralayas. You have pioneered and admiration. In all honesty I must I ‘ve got to see that Indian something beautiful for India. May also confess to a sense of envy and ophthalmology CAN do it. Just your tribe multiply. The dedication to a wish that I was thirty years younger takes ONE person and a team. It’s humanity and sense of service of so that I could study and learn here! inspiring to be here. your staff is as important as its Wish everyone here more power to skills, God Bless you all. your elbows! WHEN YOU DONATE MONEY TO NETHRALAYA... RUNNING OF SURPLUS The money that is THE HOSPITAL remaining after all All running of the hospital INCOME expenses incurred in the This is the money generated by the including meeting of complete running of the hospital who pay for their treatment, expenses for a free patient, hospital laboratory investigations, surgery, etc. or subsidizing the cost of a surgery under a specific scheme is handed out of the income. DONATIONS Thus Nethralaya does not depend on donations for day The donations made to Sankara to day survival and is a self MONEY Nethralaya fall into three supporting institution. In While it would be wonderful to categories involve oneself completely with addition the hospital gives the task of restoring sight to the treatment at affordable rates blind, the fact remains that one which is possible due to the must stop and take stock. large volume of patients Nothing would happen if money General CAPITAL FUND was unavailable. Donations The money from the While Money may not make the These are donated to the capital fund is used for world go round, it is an essential hospital, without a stipulation updating, modernization part of our economy and world. regarding its use. and expansion. It is this money that is used to buy new equipment and keep Nethralaya at the Donation for CAPITAL forefront of the medical Infrastructure profession These donations are made to FUND hospital with a stipulation regarding its use for particular infrastructural developments CREATED like hospital equipment, consulatation rooms, a bed in the general ward, ambulatory service, operation theatre, etc. SURGERY This money is used for the surgery Donations specified by the donor on the date specified by him. For Surgery A feed back letter is sent thanking These are donated as part of a him for the contribution, and he is scheme to operate once informed of the details of the annually on a poor patient with surgery and the patient. stipulation of a date or type of The name of the donor is displayed surgery to be performed on the board and is remembered on perpetually. that day.