Churachandpur: A total of 30 senior citizens underwent free cataract surgery at the district hospital in Churachandpur during a special cataract detection and surgery camp organised by the district administration of Pherzawl under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).The initiative was spearheaded by the department of social welfare in collaboration with the District Health Society, Pherzawl, the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI), Churachandpur, and the medical superintendent of district hospital, Churachandpur.The surgical camp began on Wednesday and will continue on Feb 20 and 21.Ahead of the surgeries, extensive screening programmes were conducted in the villages of Senvon, Parbung, and Pherzawl from Jan 22 to 24 to identify elderly persons suffering from cataract and other age-related vision impairments.A total of 37 senior citizens were found eligible for free surgical intervention, of whom 30 consented to undergo the procedure.All beneficiaries received free surgery, medicines, incentives, post-operative care, and intraocular lenses. Additionally, six elderly patients were provided free spectacles.Comprehensive pre-surgical tests — including HIV, Hepatitis B & C, RCB, and blood grouping — were carried out to ensure patient safety. Officials confirmed that transport and logistical arrangements were made to facilitate access for patients from remote and underserved areas.Deputy commissioner Mannuamching, additional deputy commissioner and in-charge district social welfare officer Joel G Haokip, along with Dr H Ginthianmung, nodal officer of NPCB&VI, attended the inaugural session and interacted with beneficiaries.Many elderly patients expressed heartfelt gratitude to the district administration, saying the initiative had restored not only their vision but also their confidence.The special drive underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusive healthcare and the welfare of senior citizens in the district.
