“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them, into the impossible.” – Arthur G. Clarke

Aravind-Pondicherry organised Aravind Inspiring Innovator competition asking staff to submit innovative ideas in eye care delivery in the form of videos. There were a total of 19 submissions and the top three were selected by a jury consisting of Dr. Sathish Srinivasan, Dr. Sean Ianchulev, Dr. Manas Ghosh, Dr. Parag Shah and Dr. Naresh Babu. The winners and their innovations are as follows:

• Dr. Prabu Baskaran, Aravind-Chennai (S Fix)
• Dr. Megha Nair, Aravind-Pondicherry; Dr. Shivraj Tagare, Aravind-Pondicherry and Dr. Hirika Gosalia, Aravind-Coimbatore (I-Verter)
• Fathima Allapitchai, Aravind-Tirunelveli (Stamp the tunnel)

Madurai, January 26

The hospital was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Govt. of TN in recognition of its adherence to the quality certification standards of Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) – Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). On behlf of the hospital, Dr. S.R. Krishnadas, Dircetor-HR received the award from the honorable District Collector.

Aravind-Salem, February 18

Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, Delhi (SCEH) and Eicher Motors India has joined hands to initiate a project  to screen truck drivers for eye problems. With the help of a van sponsored by Eicher, eye camps will be conducted in transport hubs, petrol stations, service stations of Eicher, RTO offices, etc. The van is designed with all the necessary eye care equipment inside. Under this initiative, SCEH has tied up with 8 major eye hospital networks across the country. Till date, the programme has catered to 1,19,221 lives including 65,354 commercial vehicle drivers across various states including Delhi NCR, UP, Assam, West Bengal, etc.

Aravind Eye Hospital, Salem is identified to be one of the partners for this project in the south zone. The dedication ceremony of the van was conducted February 18. Dr. B. Manohar Babu, Chief Medical Officer, Aravind-Salem welcomed the audience to the ceremony. Chief guests were  Mr. G.Sathiyamurthi, Asst. Commissioner of Police – Traffic, Salem and Dr.S.Sozhamadevi, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology,Govt. Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem; District Programme Manager, DBCS. Special guest, Mr. Karthikeyan, Joint Managing Director, JAWA group, Salem lit the lamp.  Mr. Shantanu Dasgupta, GM, SCEH highlighted the milestones and achievements of the Eicher Driver care programme. Mr. Gaurav Sharma, Managing Director shared a note on the vision of the programme. Mr. Karthikeyan and Mr. Radhakrishnan, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., Salem shared their thoughts on the importance of eye screening for truck drivers.

Aravind – Tirunelveli, January 25

New Vision Centre was opened at Alangulam and will be managed by Aravind-Tirunelveli. Dr R Ramakrishnan, Advisor, Aravind-Tirunelveli inaugurated the centre in presence of staff members and well-wishers of AECS. The centre examined 54 patients on the inaugural day.

Aravind-Salem, February 24

Aravind-Salem opened a new vision centre at Valapady. The centre was opened by Ln.Dr.C.Mothilal, Founder, Udhaya Hospital, Salem. On the day of inauguration, 72 patients were screened, 19 patients were advised for cataract surgery, 14 patients were given glass prescriptions and three were referred to Aravind-Salem.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, February 12

Aravind-Tirunelveli celebrated its 33rd hospital day. Staff members belonging to all cadres joined the celebration.  Celebration started with a prayer song by Dr Rithu, Resident, following which Dr.R. Meenakshi, Chief Medical Officer welcomed the gathering.  Dr.V. Anita, Senior Medical Officer presented a brief update on the activities of the last year. Dr.R. Ramakrishnan, Advisor gave an inspiring talk. Service awards and certificates were distributed to the staff members.  Following this, there were two dance programmes by doctors. Dr. Rithu entertained the audience with her melodious song.  Dr. Maneksha, Chief, Orbit Clinic proposed the vote of thanks.

Aravind-Pondicherry, February 20

Aravind-Pondicherry celebrated its 18^th annual day with Mr.G.Srinivasan, Director-Finance, Dr.G.Natchiar, HR Director Emeritus, Dr.R.D.Ravindran, Chairman, Mrs.Kannamma Ravindran as the chief guests. The function started with a prayer song followed by the Chief Medical Officer Dr. R. Venkatesh welcoming the gathering. Dr.Fredrick Mouttappa, Consultant, Paediatric Ophthalmology Services presented a report on the achievements highlighting the various innovative ideas implemented especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr.R.D.Ravindran and Dr.G.Natchiar gave an inspiring speech. As a mark of respect and recognition for the effort put in by the staff, service awards were distributed. Aravind-Pondicherry has come up with more than 100 publications in reputed journals. Awards were given to the doctors with maximum publications. Cultural programmes followed the award distribution.

Aravind-Tirunelveli, January 29

Freshers day for the newly joined mid-level ophthalmic personnel was celebrated at Aravind-Tirunelveli with  Dr.R.Ramakrishnan, Advisor and Dr.R. Meenakshi, Chief Medical Officer as the chief guests.  The new recruits performed cultural programmes like Karagattam, folk dance, singing; Two of them read poems on Dr.V.  A skit was also performed showcasing the lessons learnt after joining Aravind. Ms. Saranya, Housekeeping trainee shared her experience at Aravind and how Aravind has contributed to a transformation in her attitude and behavior. Dr.R.Ramakrishnan and Dr.Meenakshi gave  inspiring talks and congratulated all the trainees for the wonderful programmes.

Aravind-Coimbatore, February 21

Aravind-Coimbatore had an extensive and strict onsite NABH assessment for 8 hours on February 21, 2020 and the hospital came out successfully with no NCs.

Aravind-Chennai, February 16

Aravind-Chennai organised the webinar. Speakers included senior doctors from across the Aravind centres.

Aravind-Pondicherry, February 27

MLOPs are considered as the backbone of Aravind Eye Hospital. They are the first to enter and last to leave the hospital and are a part of every step in care delivery process. To give them a time out for recreation and relaxation, Aravind-Pondicherry organised a Tennikoit tournament. MLOPs were divided into 5 teams named after women who have created history: Rani Lakshmibai, Mother Teresa, Kalpana Chawla, Mary Kom and KiranBedi. The final match was between team Mary Kom and Mother Teresa. Team Mary Kom emerged as winners.

February 7 and 14

A cricket tournament was arranged for the staff members. Dr. G. Natchiar and Mr. G. Srinivasan were invited as the chief guests. Trophies were distributed to the winners and runners up.