Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu,DD, In a landmark step towards eliminating corneal blindness, AIIMS Jammu is all set to establish the region’s first state-of-the-art Eye Bank with the support of the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO). HUDCO has sanctioned a substantial grant of ₹124.90 Lakh (Rupees One Crore Twenty-Four Lakh Ninety Thousand only) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to make this vision a reality.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu and Dr. Deepak Bansal, Regional Chief Authority Officer, HUDCO, marking the beginning of a transformative collaboration in the field of eye care.
The Eye Bank will serve as a critical facility for corneal tissue collection, processing and distribution for transplantation, offering a new lease of sight to patients and drastically reducing the burden of corneal blindness across Jammu and adjoining regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, said: “The establishment of the Eye Bank is a milestone achievement for AIIMS Jammu and a lifeline for the people of this region. It will empower our Department of Ophthalmology to provide advanced super-specialty services, reduce dependence on external centers, and ensure that patients receive the best possible care locally. This facility represents AIIMS Jammu’s continued commitment to bringing world-class healthcare closer to the people of Jammu & Kashmir.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Deepak Bansal, Regional Chief Authority Officer, HUDCO, highlighted HUDCO’s commitment to social responsibility and healthcare advancement. He said: “HUDCO is proud to support AIIMS Jammu in setting up this state-of-the-art Eye Bank. This initiative will have a far-reaching impact in combating preventable blindness and improving quality of life for countless patients. Through our CSR policy, we are committed to contributing to such projects that directly benefit communities.”
This initiative not only reflects the strong partnership between AIIMS Jammu and HUDCO, but also represents a significant step towards fulfilling the larger vision of equitable healthcare access in the Union Territory. By combining clinical excellence, advanced infrastructure, and community outreach, the Eye Bank is poised to make a lasting impact in reducing avoidable blindness and ensuring that every individual has the right to sight.DD