To mark the Vesak celebrations, the Jaffna Teaching Hospital successfully conducted 312 cataract surgeries free of charge over a three-day period in a remarkable team effort.
In addition to the surgeries, the hospital’s Eye Ward was beautifully decorated throughout Vesak week with Buddhist flags, Vesak lanterns, and other festive decorations.
The programme was organized under the patronage of Ven. Periyakulam Suguna Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Padaviya Aliwanguwa Bodhirukkaramaya, and under the leadership of Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. M. Malaravan of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.
Consultant Ophthalmologists Dr. S. Sujeevan and Dr. T. Thileepan, together with the medical team, carried out the special initiative, providing cataract surgeries and intraocular lens implants free of charge to 312 patients.
The programme received financial support from the UK-based Assist RR Organization. Its representative, Dr. Sarveswaran, also arranged free transportation and meals for the patients.
Notably, of the 312 patients who underwent cataract surgery at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital during this programme, 215 were Sinhalese patients residing in the North Central Province rather than the Northern Province, making the initiative a unique example of inter-provincial healthcare service and community support.
