Barsana (Uttar Pradesh): The Barsana Mega Eye & Dental Camp, an extraordinary initiative by Bhaktivedanta Hospital & Research Institute, has proven to be a resounding success, bringing essential healthcare services to the heart of rural India. This year, we are excited to host the mega camp at our newly inaugurated Bhaktivedanta Eye Hospital in Barsana. Our state-of-the-art facility, equipped with the latest medical technology, continues to provide top-quality healthcare in a healing environment. We remain committed to serving our community with exceptional medical services and cutting-edge treatments, ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

Eye Camp’s Ambitious Goals

The trial run of the eye camp commenced on January 15, 2025, signalling the beginning of a remarkable initiative to enhance vision care in the community. This year, we aim to perform over 5000 PHACO emulsification procedures, which involve removing Cataracts and replacing them with artificial lenses. In just 3 days, we identified more than 700 patients and successfully performed over 500 surgeries. The official camp kicked off on February 2, 2025, continuing to make a substantial impact on the lives of those in need.

Supporting Patients with Compassion & Care

The camp saw patients lining up as early as 6 AM, thanks to intense village-to-village publicity efforts. A mobile screening vehicle was deployed to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwD) in reaching the campsite from their respective villages. The camp's comprehensive procedure included registration, screening, undergoing fitness test, IPD admission & performing surgery.

PHACO procedures & laser surgeries were conducted free of cost. For patients who were unsuited for the procedures, Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) was performed to ensure optimum patient comfort. Patients who were deemed unfit for immediate procedures, they were provided future dates to ensure they receive the necessary care in a timebound manner.

With the generous support from Tata Capital Ltd., the Barsana Mega Eye & Dental Camp was able to expand its reach, screening over 50,000 beneficiaries in Barsana and adjoining areas. Their support also facilitated door-to-door screening, ensuring that even the most remote villages were covered & received essential healthcare services. Their collaborative effort significantly enhanced the camp's impact, bringing vital health care and education to a wider audience.

Welcoming Esteemed Dignitaries

Mathura MP Smt. Hema Malini Ji visited the hospital facility expressing her heartfelt gratitude for the healthcare initiative. She commended the dedication & compassion shown by the doctors & the paramedical staff at the campsite.
Smt. Nupur Desai accompanied by Shri. Kamlesh Shroff, President, Rotary Club of Bombay Pier and Smt. Preeti Shroff inaugurated various departments of the Hospital facility supported by them. They expressed their heartfelt pleasure & happiness with the hospital's opening.

Dental Camp A Success

The dental camp addressed significant oral health issues, especially among youth who lacked appropriate oral hygiene. Over 3000 screenings were conducted & anti-tobacco awareness drives were organized to educate the youth & senior citizens about preventive dental measures to avoid Oral cancer. More than 100 dentures were provided during the camp & the numbers kept on increasing.

Dr. Mukund Shanbhag, Senior Dentist from Mumbai, highlighted the plans to perform dental check-ups including extractions, cleanings and fillings for over 3000 patients. Free dentures will be provided within 4-5 hours post-treatment with a goal to offer 100+ dentures on a first-come, first-serve basis. Volunteers will also visit different schools to screen students and create general awareness about dental & oral hygiene.

Future Developments Plans

Dr. V.G. Shanbhag, Trustee of Shri Chaitanya Health and Care Trust, emphasized the efforts put into building the hospital and acknowledged the gap between number of patients needing treatment and those being treated. This gap has prompted the management team to undertake an ambitious project to build a new state-of-the-art hospital complex i.e. the Bhaktivedanta Eye Hospital at Barsana.

Dr. Ranjith Wagle and Dr. O. P. Gupta have dedicated over two decades in providing exceptional ophthalmology services to the people in Barsana. Their steadfast commitment to the Brijwasis is a testament to their continued passion and dedication. They consider it as a profound blessing to serve the needy sections of the society in enhancing their lives & vision persistently. Their work in Barsana embodies not just medical expertise, but also a deep, heartfelt connection to the community they serve year on year.

Dr. Ajay Sankhe, Director of Bhaktivedanta Hospital & Research Institute expressed his pleasure at the enthusiastic participation of the young, dynamic & experienced doctors, nurses & paramedical staff. He hopes, with the blessings of Radha Rani & the Brijwasis, the dedication is unbroken in many more years to come.

Dr. K. Venkatramanan, Ph.D., Director of Share Your Care at Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute, highlighted the new hospital's impressive 50,000 sq. ft facility. He acknowledged the support of well-wishers and donors. He also mentioned that still Rs 4 crore is short fall for completing the Hospital. He expressed gratitude to all the well-wishers and donors and urged corporates to come forward and support for this noble cause.

Dr. K. Venkatramanan, Ph.D., Director of Share Your Care at Bhaktivedanta Hospital and Research Institute, highlighted the new hospital's impressive 50,000 sq. ft. facility and acknowledged the invaluable support of well-wishers and donors. He noted the project shortfall of Rs 4 crore in project completion & urged the corporate community to contribute generously to a noble cause.

Success Stories & Breaking Barriers

Rahmati, a 65-year-old woman from Bharatpur, lived in a haze. Cataract clouded her vision making everyday tasks a struggle. Household chores, once a source of pride, became a burden. Her 3 sons, all farmers and 2 married daughters watched helplessly in futility. Then, a neighbour’s words sparked hope i.e. the Bhaktivedanta Hospital's free eye camp at Barsana. At the camp, this 65-year-old woman underwent Cataract surgery, a ray of light in her dimming world. Now, with her vision restored, she's brimming with gratitude, cherishing the clarity and independence the hospital's gifted her. She can once again sees the faces of her loved ones and participates fully in her family life. The hospital's generosity has surely given Rahmati a new lease on life.

For 59-year-old Samitra from Kosi near Barsana, life had become blurry and foggy due to Cataract. This condition stole her independence and made daily chores a difficult task. Despite having 4 sons and 2 daughters nearby, they could offer little assistance. Samitra earned her living through small home-based jobs while her world shrank with her fading sight. A glimmer of hope appeared when a neighbor informed about the upcoming Bhaktivedanta Hospital's free eye camp at Barsana. Samitra attended the camp and received free cataract surgery. With her vision restored, the world is now in focus again. Samitra's heart overflows with gratitude for her restored sight with regained ability to work & renewed energy. The hospital's generosity has truly transformed her life, allowing her to once again fully participate in her family life and cherish every moment.