Microsoft, Sankara Eye Hospital launch rehabilitation bus to

: Microsoft has collaborated with Sankara Eye Hospital here to launch 'Maitri', a customized rehabilitation bus that visits remote villages in Karnataka to identify citizens suffering from vision problems and provide comprehensive rehabilitation services.

With less than 30 per cent of patients receiving rehabilitation services, Maitri was conceptualized to provide rehabilitation to visually impaired patients at their doorstep, the company and the hospital said.

Microsoft has contributed funding to build and launch the bus under its commitment to corporate social responsibility, a a joint release by the two said.

Dr.Pushparaj, Joint Director, Department (Ophthalmology), Department of Health&Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka said "It is a matter of pride that the first mobile vision rehabilitation bus in the country Maitri, has been made possible by Microsoft's CSR grant to Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru."
 

"This initiative will significantly benefit the people of Karnataka. We look forward to partnering with Sankara Eye Hospital in this wonderful initiative with other departments, to ensure that the facilities are utilized to the maximum," he said.

Speaking during the launch of the service, Chitra Sood, Director, Business Management and Strategy, Microsoft India (R&D) Pvt. Ltd said, 'Maitri' mobile vision rehabilitation bus is a big step in ensuring that healthcare reaches the doorstep of anyone in need.

Dr R V Ramani, Founder & Managing Trustee, Sankara Eye Foundation said, "Our vision rehabilitation team has helped thousands over the years at Bengaluru. We are now taking this very service with no compromise on the quality of infrastructure or personnel to their doorstep.