GMC seeks licence to register as corneal transplant centre

Porvorim: GMC’s department of ophthalmology applied for a licence for registration as a corneal transplant centre, health minister Vishwajit Rane stated in a written reply in the assembly.

Govt, in collaboration with GMC’s department of ophthalmology, is actively working towards establishing the new eye bank, he said. GMC entered into an MoU with Lions International Eye Bank, Bengaluru, for the supply of corneal tissues for transplantation, Rane stated.

GMC already purchased equipment to the tune of Rs 38.7 lakh, and recruitment and training of eye bank personnel is pending. Interviews were held on Jan 8 for an eye bank technician and an eye bank counsellor, and results are awaited, Rane stated.

The state was without an eye bank for several years. “The licence of Rotary Eye Bank was not renewed as it was not found to be compliant with regulations in terms of infrastructure manpower as per Eye Bank Association of India and NPCB guidelines,” Rane stated.

The department applied for a licence for registration as a corneal transplant centre, and inspection for the same took place in Dec 2025.

“The decision on the application will be taken after receipt of inspection report from the committee constituted vide Order No 5/15/2025- II/PHD/2522 dated Nov 13,” he stated.

Under the national health mission, Rs 40 lakh was sanctioned. GMC already purchased a specular microscope costing Rs 31.4 lakh, a refrigerator at Rs 54.9k, a slit lamp Rs 2.5 lakh, and a biosafety cabinet Rs 4.4 lakh. The total amount utilised is Rs 38.7 lakh. The balance amount of Rs 1.3 lakh was earmarked for IEC equipment activities, an additional refrigerator with temperature monitoring for storage of eye tissues, etc.

In the private sector, Heathway Hospital and ASG Eye Hospital are already registered as corneal transplant centres, with MoUs with different eye banks across the country.