Eye hospital adopts grama panchayat

KOCHI: A private hospital in the city has adopted Chellanam panchayat, one of the backward local bodies in Ernakulam, for providing ophthalmic treatment to below poverty line (BPL) residents free of cost.
Giridhar Eye Institute adopted the panchayat as part of the World Sight Day that was observed on October 13. MLA K J Maxi inaugurated the programme on Sunday.
Outlining the programme, Dr A Giridhar, medical director, Giridhar Eye Institute, said that regular camps for awareness and diagnosis would be conducted in the wards and schools in the panchayat area every month.
Under the scheme, those who are certified as eligible for free treatment (BPL listed) by the panchayat authorities could report directly to the hospital and avail treatment.
"The programme needed full participation and cooperation of the panchayat and the residents," said Giridhar.
Mercy Jose, president of Chellanam grama panchayat presided.
"Currently, there are 40,000 residents in the panchayat. The needy can approach the hospital with a letter from the ward member for availing the service," Jose said.