The northeast Indian state of Meghalaya is known for its hilly terrain and rainy weather. While that makes for excellent tea-growing conditions, it also means that roads are often rugged, muddy and difficult to navigate.
For residents of remote communities, getting from the village into the city for healthcare can be challenging at the best of times.
It’s especially difficult for those experiencing vision loss.
Now, thanks to a new 14-seat TATA Winger Van, residents in the state’s South Garo Hills have better access to eye health care. The vehicle is bringing health care workers to the area’s most remote villages to deliver eye screenings and referrals, and to transport patients who need further diagnosis or treatment to the Patharkhmah Community Health Centre.
Operation Eyesight’s Dr. Ritu Ghosh handed over the keys to the vehicle to Dr Sapna Dey, State Program Manager, NPCB & VI, with Mr. Ram Kumar, MD NHM of the Government of Meghalaya in February, and the patient transport vehicle is now serving communities in the region.
Thanks to Dan Parlow, member of the Operation Eyesight Canada Board of Directors, for the donation that made this patient transport vehicle possible!
