Andhra Pradesh Expands Healthcare Access with New Eye Hospital

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the expanded block of the Sankara Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Pedakakani, Guntur, on March 3, 2024. This significant development enhances the state’s healthcare capabilities, marking a pivotal moment for eye care services in the region.

The new facility, built with an investment of approximately ₹75 crore, spans 86,360 sq. ft. and integrates seamlessly with the existing hospital infrastructure. This expansion positions it as the largest standalone super-speciality eye hospital in Andhra Pradesh, now covering over 2 lakh sq. ft. The expansion is set to increase the hospital’s capacity by an additional 1,000 patients daily, allowing it to double its annual free eye surgeries from 30,000 to 60,000 for economically disadvantaged individuals.

In his address, CM Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the importance of this initiative for enhancing access to advanced ophthalmic services throughout the region. He praised the contributions of the Sankara Eye Foundation over the past two decades in preventing avoidable blindness in the state. The hospital’s operations will continue to follow a proven 75:25 cross-subsidization model, where paying patients’ fees help fund free surgeries for those unable to afford treatment.

Dr. R.V. Ramani, Founder of the Sankara Eye Foundation, highlighted the increasing need for timely eye care in India, noting that nearly 80% of visual impairments can be prevented with proper intervention. The new facility also received blessings from spiritual leaders Jagadguru Shri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and Jagadguru Shri Satya Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal, who emphasized that restoring vision restores dignity and hope.

Over the past 21 years, the Guntur hospital has positively impacted the lives of more than 30 lakh individuals and has performed over 7.15 lakh surgeries. The Sankara Eye Foundation USA reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to high-quality, affordable eye care across Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states, indicating a strong focus on addressing the healthcare needs of the population.

The expansion of the Sankara Super Speciality Eye Hospital represents a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare services, particularly in the field of ophthalmology, while ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the care they need.