NEEPCO funds Rs 22.8 lakh for free cataract surgeries at Tripura Medical College, helping 150 underprivileged patients regain vision. This CSR initiative enhances inclusive healthcare, providing high-quality eye treatment for economically weaker and BPL families in Tripura.
In a remarkable move to strengthen healthcare support for the underprivileged, the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has sanctioned Rs 22.8 lakh under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for the fiscal year 2025–26. The fund will be directed to Tripura Medical College & Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Teaching Hospital (TMC) to facilitate free cataract surgeries for economically weaker sections and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
The initiative, formally inaugurated on Saturday by Dr. P. Roy, Chairman of the Society for Tripura Medical College, saw the participation of senior NEEPCO officials including General Manager Khagendra Meitei, along with representatives from the TMC administration. The project is set to benefit 150 patients who otherwise may not have had access to quality ophthalmic care.
Dr. A.K. Chakma, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at TMC, highlighted the significance of this healthcare drive. “This project will enable 150 underprivileged individuals to receive cataract surgeries free of cost, restoring their vision and improving their quality of life,” he stated. He further emphasized that access to high-quality intraocular lenses will ensure the surgeries meet international standards of care.
The CSR initiative underlines NEEPCO’s dedication to promoting community welfare and inclusive healthcare. By collaborating with TMC, the organization is bridging critical gaps in medical service accessibility, particularly in regions where affordable healthcare is scarce. Officials noted that such collaborations are vital for ensuring that economically marginalized communities can benefit from life-changing medical interventions.
Screening for eligible patients is already underway, with the surgical procedures expected to begin shortly. The initiative aims not only to restore vision but also to improve the overall quality of life for beneficiaries, enabling them to regain independence and carry out daily activities more effectively.
Speaking about the project, General Manager Khagendra Meitei remarked, “NEEPCO is committed to giving back to the community through meaningful CSR activities. Eye health is often neglected in underserved areas, and we are proud to partner with Tripura Medical College to bring this essential healthcare service to those in need.”
The collaboration between NEEPCO and Tripura Medical College represents a model for CSR-driven healthcare programs in the North-East region. It underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing social inequalities, particularly in medical services that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life.
Medical experts involved in the project stressed that cataract remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in India. Initiatives like this not only provide immediate medical relief but also contribute to long-term improvements in community health outcomes. “Restoring sight can transform a person’s personal, social, and economic life,” said Dr. Chakma, “and it aligns perfectly with NEEPCO’s vision of sustainable community development.”
As the program rolls out, local communities and patient advocacy groups have lauded the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward inclusive healthcare. Many hope that similar CSR partnerships will continue in the future to address other critical healthcare challenges in the region.
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With the surgeries expected to commence in the coming weeks, patients selected through rigorous screening will undergo state-of-the-art procedures at no cost. NEEPCO’s initiative reaffirms the growing role of corporate social responsibility in transforming lives and strengthening healthcare infrastructure in India’s underserved regions.
