On November 29, 2023, MOHAN Foundation was invited to the Inauguration of Manipur State Eye Bank, organised by the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB and VI) under the aegis of the National Health Mission (NHM) and Directorate of Health Services, Manipur, at the State Ophthalmic Cell, Lamphel, Manipur. Ms. Laishram Monica Devi, Programme Officer, MOHAN Foundation, and Ms. Thoidingjam Udayini Khuman, Transplant Coordinator, MOHAN Foundation, represented the Foundation.

The function was graced by Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Minister (Health & Family Welfare) as the Chief Guest; Shri Pradeep Kumar Jha, Commissioner (Health & Family Welfare) as the President; Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang, Director, Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Manipur; and Dr Somorjit Ningombam, State Mission Director, Manipur, as the Guests of Honour for the function. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the programme was followed by the felicitation of the dignitaries. Senior officials of DHS, ophthalmologists from different health sectors and eye institutes, representatives of NGOs working towards the cause, and staff of different private and public institutes attended the function.

Dr. Vikram Singh Khoisnam, State Nodal Officer, NPCB & VI, NHM Manipur, addressed the welcome and key note speeches. He provided the public with an overview of the eye banking system and details regarding corneal blindness.

Later, Hon’ble Dr. Ranjan handed over the keys of the Eye Bank and two-wheeler vehicle to Dr. Ningombam Reagan, In-charge Medical Director, Manipur State Eye Bank, which was followed by the distribution of eye donation pledge cards to the persons who had pledged to donate their eyes.

Dr Ranjan stated that the recently established Manipur Eye Bank will be of tremendous assistance to those who are visually impaired. Both the ophthalmic cell and the general public must approach their duties with a spirit of selflessness. He further stated that the government recognises the efforts of private eye care clinics and centres to prevent public blindness. He also emphasised the importance for ophthalmologists to inform the public that the cornea, a minute and delicate component of the eye, is being donated and that its removal will remain undetected. Society stands to benefit from an increase in the number of individuals who commit to donate their eyes if this consciousness is propagated. He expressed his optimism for the eye bank's continued success and projected that an increasing number of individuals would offer to donate their eyes once the facility is completely operational.

Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Shri Pradeep Kumar Jha stated in his presidential address that Manipur is the fourth state in North-East India to establish an eye bank. While certain aspects still require implementation, this represents a significant accomplishment on the part of the Health Department. Furthermore, he commended the collective effort of the complete team and inspired them to transform it into a hub of distinction

The programme ended with a vote of thanks from Dr. Jayshree Takhellambam, Ophthalmologist, State Ophthalmic Cell, Manipur.

Close to 80 participants attended the programme.