Sankara Eye Hospital Inaugurated by PM Modi in Varanasi
On October 20, 2024, a significant event took place in Varanasi with the inauguration of the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This hospital, a part of the Vision 2030: March to a Million initiative by Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF), USA, aims to provide essential eye care services to the people of Varanasi and nearby districts.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of the hospital in bringing light to the lives of many individuals in the region. He highlighted the role of the hospital in creating employment opportunities for the youth and supporting medical students in their education and training.
SEF, USA’s Vision 2030: March to a Million is a commendable initiative that aims to perform one million free eye surgeries annually by 2030. Through its network of hospitals across India, SEF, USA has already performed over 400,000 free eye surgeries in 2024, making it the world’s largest free eye care provider.
The Varanasi hospital, funded in part by the Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Foundation, is a 300-bed facility that will conduct 30,000 free eye surgeries every year. This initiative is a testament to the commitment of SEF, USA in eliminating curable blindness in India.
In addition to the Varanasi hospital, SEF, USA has inaugurated several state-of-the-art hospital projects in different parts of the country, increasing its capacity to provide free eye surgeries to those in need. The organization operates on a model of self-sufficiency, where paying patients help subsidize the cost of surgeries for underserved populations.
Last year, SEF, USA raised $1.5 million at its annual gala, showcasing the generosity and support of donors towards its mission. The organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability is reflected in its high ratings from Charity Navigator and Candid, making it one of the top-rated charities in the US.
Looking ahead, SEF, USA has ambitious plans to inaugurate three more hospital projects in 2025, including the Kalyanam Karoti Eye Hospital in Mathura, H.V. Desai Eye Hospital in Solapur, and Sankara Eye Hospital in Guntur. These projects are expected to significantly increase the organization’s capacity to provide free eye surgeries and expand its outreach to rural communities.
Overall, the inauguration of the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi marks a significant milestone in SEF, USA’s efforts to combat preventable blindness in India. With continued support and collaboration, the organization aims to fulfill its vision of providing quality eye care to all those in need.
