Donate your eyes call rings out on NED Fortnight

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 6 : The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Directorate of Health Services jointly observed the 39th National Eye Donation Fortnight at Classic Grande at Chingmeirong today.
Families of three persons - Late Maisnam Dina of Chingamakha Maisnam Leikai, Late Nongmaithem Karina of Sagolband Tera Sapam Leirak and Late Ningthoujam Mani of Wangbal Maning Leikai who donated their eyes were honoured during the function which was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan as chief guest.
Some doctors of both Government and private hospitals were also encouraged by handing over certificates as acknowledgement of their work in the health service.
Other dignitaries of the function included Special Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Hungyo Worshing, Health Director Dr O Sanahanbi and State Mission Director of NHM Dr M Dinesh.
Prizes for the painting competition which was held as part of an eye awareness campaign were also distributed to 10 students.
Speaking at the function, Dr Ranjan said that donating eyes after death is a charitable act that saves or enhances life of those who need eye transplant.
He paid his respect to every eye donor.
One can only assume the hardship which people who have lost vision go through in their lifetime, the Minister said while paying his respect to every eye donor who intends to  give sight to the blind.
Stating that the rate of eye donations is very low when compared with the people who need eye transplant, Dr Ranjan appealed to one and  all to donate eyes so as to give a new lease of life to the blind after they are gone.
The Minister said that he will also donate his eyes. He also expressed desire for both the Government and private hospitals to spread community awareness about eye donation to combat blindness.
Hungyo Worshing, on the other hand, said that the relevant authority may submit a proposal to upgrade the Manipur State Eye Bank and the State Opthalmic Cell with a Detailed Project Report.