11 govt hospitals in TS get latest phaco machines for cataract surgeries

HYDERABAD: The state government on Wednesday launched 12 state-of-the-art phaco machines as part of Kanti Velugu programme to facilitate qualitative cataract treatment.

Two machines, each at a cost of RS 2.885 million, were inaugurated by health minister T. Harish Rao along with home minister Mahmood Ali at Sarojini Devi eye hospital.

Also getting new machines were Malakpet area hospital, and one each in Mahabubnagar, Warangal, Nizamabad, Sangareddy, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Vikarabad, Nalgonda and Khammam district.

Approximately, Rs 34.6 million was spent on procuring the dozen machines. This will be used in cataract surgeries in government hospitals, a facility that is provided free of cost as part of the Kanti Velugu initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, Harish Rao said that phaco machines, also known as phacoemulsification machines, will help in providing enhanced services to patients suffering from eye problems. Phaco ultrasound technology machines will enhance the performance of cataract surgeries leading to quicker surgical procedures and faster recovery of patients, he said.