Over 550 Screened and 128 Surgeries Conducted Under Public Health Initiative
Key Points:
- Ten-day cataract screening and surgery camp held at Gamharia
- 128 beneficiaries underwent free eye surgeries on-site
- Initiative supported by Shankar Nethralaya and Santhal Sarna Umul
JAMSHEDPUR – Tata Steel Foundation concluded a ten-day Cataract Screening and Surgery Camp in Gamharia under its Public Health initiative, aiming to provide free eye care services to underserved communities.
The camp, held from October 27 to November 8, 2025, was organised in technical partnership with Shankar Nethralaya and in social collaboration with Santhal Sarna Umul, Gamharia. The venue for the event was provided by Kherval Samtha Jorhargarh Samiti, Kalikapur, reflecting the community’s strong support.
In preparation, the Foundation’s Gamharia team carried out a fortnight-long mobilisation drive. Awareness was spread through village visits, mobile vans, and pamphlet distribution in schools. Youth Leadership Programme students performed street plays at public spaces and also at Chhath Ghat to reach wider audiences.
The initiative received a remarkable community response. A total of 558 people — 306 men and 252 women — were screened. Of them, 113 individuals (54 men and 59 women) were selected for surgery. Around 39% were advised against surgery due to health issues, while others received refraction advice for better vision.
Cataract operations were performed between November 4 and 8 in a fully equipped mobile operation theatre. A total of 128 patients with mature cataracts successfully underwent surgery, free of cost. Post-operative check-ups and medicines were also provided.
Residents from multiple panchayats of Gamharia and nearby Seraikela expressed satisfaction with the medical services. The Foundation also held awareness sessions on eye health and the importance of regular vision screening.
For related updates, read about Tata Steel Foundation’s art exhibition, its employee welfare initiatives, vocational training partnerships, youth empowerment projects, and rural development efforts.
