By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: After performing retinal surgeries on pellet victims in Ophthalmology Department SMHS Hospital for free earlier this month, Borderlss World Foundation Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh (BWF-JKL) is once again organising free retinal surgery camp for pellet victims in the Valley.
J&K Police Officer chasing protestors with a pellet gun (Photo By: Raqib Hameed Naik)
Dr Sundaram Natarajan a renowned retinal surgeon and a recipient of Padma Shri award and his team will once again be available at Department of Ophthalmology, Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital from Monday, August 22 for a period of 4-5 days for surgical intervention of pellet victims.
“In this regard, all the pellet victims are informed to report at 8:00 AM sharp at Ophthalmology Department SMHS Hospital, Srinagar or contact BWF-JKL on 9419925848, 8715038918, 09999991406 and 08888445666,” said BWF- J&K chapter.
The BWF team has further requested all the mohalla committees, masjid committees, welfare committees, youth groups, voluntary organisations and other organisations across the Valley to share this information within their localities so that maximum victims are provided with the specialised treatment.
<(Photo credits: www.kashmirlife.net
“Due to communication blockade we couldn’t get in touch with people in various areas across Kashmir. But, after it was lifted a few days ago, we have received numerous calls from different parts of the Valley and we have directed them to come by 8 am in SMHS hospital. Treating serious cases is our first priority,” Haris Abrar, office administrator, Borderless World Foundation, told TwoCircles.net.
When asked about the long-term intervention of BWF in treating pellet victims, Abrar told TCN that Dr Natarajan has promised to come to Kashmir every month to treat and follow up the pellet cases.
The J&K BWF was planning to take serious cases of pellet victims to Mumbai hospital but later cancelled their plans as arranging logistics was becoming a major issue for the organization.
The Borderless World Foundation (BWF) is a non-governmental based in Pune, Maharashtra. Established in March 2002, BWF aims to provide a ‘Humane Touch’ to the border areas of India and beyond.
Earlier this month, Dr Mahesh Shanmugam, Head Vitreo-Retinal Services and Ocular Oncology Services, Sankara Eye Hospital Bengaluru had also arrived in Valley on the request of BWF and conducted 25 Surgeries on Pellet-Hit victims at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar.