Boko, Jan 9: Retired headmistress from Pakharapara village in Boko, Mira Mahanta, said she was preparing to go to neighboring country Nepal for eye treatment but learned about the eye hospital in Boko and got her eyes checked here.
Mahanta expressed relief, noting that the option of local care saved her both the hassle and expense of traveling abroad. “It’s such a blessing that now we don’t have to travel far for eye treatment,” she shared.
Mahanta’s experience highlights a significant shift in healthcare accessibility for the people of Boko and surrounding areas, thanks to the newly inaugurated World Bank-funded eye care hospital. The 6th edition of ERC Eye Hospital, located near Boko police station, was officially opened on Thursday, with senior managers from ERC, including Sanku Sharma, Rajib Sarma, Dhanmani Choudhury, and Sahid Afridi, sharing insights about the mission to provide affordable healthcare services.
The event, attended by dignitaries such as representatives from the Sophia Foundation Denmark and NEDFi (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd.), marked a major step toward improving healthcare accessibility in Lower Assam. Speaking at the ceremony, Senior Manager Rajib Sharma detailed the hospital’s services, ranging from eye exams and surgeries to eyeglasses and medications. Notably, the hospital will also serve the needs of people from remote villages like Lampi, Hahim, Nagarbera, and Garaimari, where access to Guwahati or other major towns has been a significant barrier to healthcare.
To further address this issue, the ERC team will be sending out mobile units equipped with a team of healthcare professionals to conduct eye check-ups in these rural areas, ensuring that even the most isolated communities can benefit from essential services.
The importance of such initiatives was underscored by Senior Manager Sanku Sharma, who cited alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), noting that over 2 billion people globally need eye care, the majority of whom require eyeglasses or cataract surgery. Access to treatment remains a challenge for many, with 80% of individuals unable to obtain necessary care due to the absence of local diagnostic and surgical services.
Sharma also pointed out the critical role of good eyesight in North East India, where livelihoods in weaving and cottage industries are heavily reliant on clear vision. He cited a Lancet study that found good vision can increase productivity by 25% and income by up to 30%, further demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the hospital’s services.
Since its inception, ERC has gained recognition for its efforts, receiving support from global organizations and funding from the World Bank. It has also made a mark on international platforms like the World Economic Forum, BBC World Service, and prominent Indian institutions like IIT Bombay and IIM Calcutta.
As of now, ERC has provided services to more than 10 lakh people, performed over 32,000 cataract surgeries, and distributed more than 3.35 lakh eyeglasses across North East India. At the newly inaugurated facility, consultations with ophthalmologists are available for just Rs 50, eyeglasses cost Rs 250, and cataract surgeries are priced at Rs 3,300.
The facility, funded by the Impact Foundation in Berlin, Germany, aims to serve the broader community, making vital healthcare services more accessible to the underprivileged. For villagers like an elderly man from Goroimari near the Brahmaputra River, this new hospital means a significant reduction in the cost and effort involved in eye care. “I used to spend Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 to get an eye examination and glasses in Guwahati. Now, it’s much more affordable,” he remarked.
This new hospital stands as a symbol of hope for many, offering not just affordable care, but also a pathway to improved lives through better vision.
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