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SNM Hospital Leh: A Beacon of Sight in the Fight Against Cataracts in Ladakh


SNM doctors with patient

Introduction:

Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, cast a shadow over the lives of millions. However, in the picturesque region of Leh, UT Ladakh, SNM Hospital stands as a shining example of hope for the cataract patients of Ladakh. With its dedicated eye department team led by Dr. Motup Angmo, the hospital offers free cataract surgery with intraocular lenses (IOLs), providing a new lease on life for those affected by this debilitating condition. Supported by the Health and Medical Education Department UT Ladakh, SNM Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring the highest quality of care. Thanks to initiatives like PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), patients receive free surgeries, screenings are conducted efficiently, and the average hospital stay is just three days.


Addressing the Magnitude of the Problem:

Cataracts, a prevalent eye condition worldwide, significantly impact individuals' vision and overall quality of life. However, the availability of cataract surgery with IOLs at SNM Hospital Leh offers a glimmer of hope to those suffering from this visual impairment. By targeting the leading cause of blindness, the hospital is making a remarkable difference in the lives of its patients of Ladakh.



Doctor performing eye treatment

Nurse fixing eye bandage on a patient

A Committed Eye Department Team:

Under the guidance of Dr. Motup Angmo, the dedicated team at SNM Hospital Leh is at the forefront of combating cataracts. Led by their expertise and compassion, the team provides personalized care, ensuring optimal outcomes for every patient. Their commitment to excellence and restoring sight has garnered admiration from the community and beyond in Ladakh.





Data as Testimony:

Dr. Tsewang Chorol, the Medical Superintendent of SNM Hospital Leh, diligently provides data that underscores the remarkable impact of the hospital's efforts. The data reveals that from April 2022 to March 2023, 377 successful cataract surgeries were performed. This trend continues, with an additional 151 surgeries conducted since April 2023 to June 2023. These numbers highlight the team's efficiency and their dedication to tackling the cataract burden in the region.


Equipping for Success:

The Health and Medical Education Department UT Ladakh has left no stone unturned in equipping the eye department at SNM Hospital Leh with the latest equipment. By investing in cutting-edge technology, the department ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care. This commitment to continuous improvement demonstrates the department's determination to provide the best possible outcomes for patients.


PMJAY: Paving the Way for Free Surgery:

The availability of free cataract surgery with IOLs at SNM Hospital Leh is made possible through the PMJAY scheme. This government initiative ensures that patients receive the necessary treatment without financial burdens. By including cataract surgeries within this scheme, the government showcases its commitment to eradicating the blindness due to cataract and improving the overall health of its citizens.

289 cataract patients have taken benifit of free surgery through the scheme since it's implementation.



Operator assessing eye using a machine

Operator assessing eye using a machine

Efficient Screening and Recovery:

To identify individuals who require cataract surgery, comprehensive screenings are conducted in peripheries of the Leh district in various blocks, including at SNM Hospital Leh. These screenings enable early detection, ensuring that patients receive timely treatment and prevent further deterioration of their vision. Following surgery, patients typically experience a speedy recovery, with an average hospital stay of just three days. This streamlined process maximizes hospital efficiency and allows patients to resume their daily lives with renewed clarity of vision.








Patient cataract before and after treatment image

Conclusion:

SNM Hospital Leh, with its dedicated eye department team led by Dr. Motup Angmo, exemplifies the transformative power of cataract surgery. Supported by the Health and Medical Education Department UT Ladakh, the hospital's efforts have made a significant impact on the lives of individuals of UT Ladakh affected by cataracts. With the support of PMJAY, free surgeries and efficient screenings are ensuring that blindness caused by cataracts becomes a thing of the past. As SNM Hospital Leh continues to provide high-quality care, it serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating a future where preventable blindness is eradicated, one surgery at a time.


SNM hospital eye care ward

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