Cataract operations using a state-of-the-art phaco machine commenced at the Ophthalmology Department of Medini Rai Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Palamu, Jharkhand, on Thursday. The commissioning of this machine, purchased at a cost of approximately Rs 60 lakh, will bring significant relief, especially to poor and needy patients, who will now have access to free treatment with modern technology. 

Dr PN Mahato, the Principal of MMCH, told journalists in the OPD complex on Thursday that following the installation of the phaco machine, operations will be conducted regularly under normal circumstances. Describing it as a major achievement for the medical college, he said that it will further strengthen the hospital's medical services.

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Hospital Superintendent Dr Ajay Kumar stated that cataract surgery using a phaco machine in private hospitals costs between Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000, whereas at MMCH, this facility will be provided to patients free of cost. Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Singh said that the installation of the state-of-the-art phaco machine at MMCH is a major achievement. 

Before this, CT scan and digital X-ray facilities were introduced here at government rates. Furthermore, following the closure of Medall Lab, pathological testing facilities are being provided by the department at government rates. The pathological testing laboratory will soon be shifted to the location of the former Medall Lab. 

Dr Rakesh Kumar, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, said that the installation of the phaco machine has led to a significant improvement in the department's facilities. He mentioned that a target of performing cataract operations on 300 patients was set for the current financial year, which was achieved two months ahead of schedule. 

Despite a shortage of faculty, an average of four cataract operations is currently being performed daily. With the commissioning of the phaco machine, the number of operations will increase further. The introduction of this facility will also benefit patients from remote areas, who will no longer need to travel to other cities for better treatment. 

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The introduction of the phaco machine has marked a new chapter in the field of ophthalmology at MMCH. Dr DK Jha, Head of the Medicine Department, along with staff from the Ophthalmology Department, were present on the occasion.