Date:20/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/20/stories/2006082020330300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Angamali hospital proposes free eye treatment scheme

Staff Reporter

The Rs.1-crore project is inspired by new Mammootty starrer

Kochi: The Angamali-based Little Flower Hospital, in association with the Mammootty Fans Association, is planning a free eye treatment programme in the State.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Fr. Joy Kannampuzha, joint-director of the hospital, and D. Chandrasenan, patron of the Association, said Rs.1 crore would be spent for the programme.

The Eye Bank Association and `Mammooty Times' film magazine were also associating with the venture, initially mooted by the superstar. The fans association got inspiration for the programme from the new Mammooty-starrer, `Karutha Pakshikal,' the story of which revolves around a blind girl.

Mr. Chandrasenan said as many as 10,000 persons would receive free eye treatment under the project called Kazhcha-06-07.The project was being implemented utilising the special funds received by the Little Flower Hospital from the President for preventing blindness in children and also the aids given by the Operation Eye Sight Universal, Canada; State Committee for Eradication of Blindness and the Rotary International.

Special screening programmes for schools and eye donation camps also would be held as part of the programme.

The medical director of the hospital, Tony Fernandez, said the eye bank of the hospital got around 600 to 700 eyes a year.

Filmmaker Kamal was also present at the press conference.