"In all, 58 such surgeries have been conducted in the last few days, including 46 by the team led by Dr S Natarajan in the last three days," said an official spokesman after Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's interaction with the team of opthalmologists from Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital, Mumbai.
Head of the opthalmology department in GMC, Srinagar Dr Tariq Qureshi said five operation theatres were only dealing with eye surgeries.
"The Chief Minister was informed that over the last two weeks, 210 patients with eye-related injuries were admitted to SMHS Hospital. As many as 173 preliminary procedures or surgeries were carried out satisfactorily by the team of eye surgeons at the hospital. Advanced surgeries, as per the treatment protocol and requirement, were subsequently initiated," the spokesman said.
Mehbooba enquired about the status of patients admitted to and operated upon at the hospital.
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She said her government was committed to provide all the assistance to the patients and whatever specialised treatment was required, would be made available to them, including taking a patient outside the state, if needed.
"Dr Natrajan observed that the facilities at SMHS match the best anywhere in the country for eyecare and expressed confidence that no patient of eye surgery would be required to be taken outside the state for treatment since the best was already available here," the spokesman said.
The Chief Minister expressed her desire that the eyecare facility at SMHS Hospital be developed as a centre of excellence in ophthalmology-care by making further additions to the existing facilities, said the spokesman.
With a view to ensuring this, she agreed to adding further high-value equipment to the centre and advised the Principal, GMC, Srinagar to have a plan of action prepared and submit a proposal for funding to the state government.