GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Embassy of India in Guatemala in collaboration with Eye Foundation of America, Hospital Privado in Peten and CONJUVE Guatemala jointly hosted eye camp in Peten, Guatemala from 6-9 November 2023. The camps aimed to provide much-needed cataract eye surgeries to patients from Peten and surrounding areas who have previously participated in Embassy’s preliminary ophthalmology camp in April 2023, where around 400 patients received essential eye assessments to identify those in need of further medical attention. During the eye camp in Peten, a significant milestone was achieved as a high number of patients underwent life-changing eye surgeries.

This mission builds upon the foundation laid during the Embassy’s preliminary ophthalmology camp in April 2023. During this preliminary camp, the focus was on offering basic eye medical assistance to patients. It was also a critical phase for identifying individuals in need of further eye treatment, including essential eye surgery. Organized in two phases, this eye camp reflected the unwavering commitment of these organizations to improve the visual health and overall quality of life of the patients in Peten. Careful planning and execution were paramount, ensuring that those in need received prompt and comprehensive eye care. This eye camp reflected the unwavering commitment of these organizations to improve the visual health and overall quality of life of the patients in Guatemala.

The preliminary eye camp in April and surgical procedures from 6-9 November 2023 were carried out by the Eye Foundation of America, led by Dr. V.K. Raju, accompanying by Dr. Rakesh Shakya, along with a team of Guatemalan professional ophthalmologists and an anaesthesiologist, all of whom are generously offering their services free of charge. In a remarkable display of community support, Dr. Edgar Lopez, General Physician from Herrera Llerandi Hospital in Guatemala City, offered his local expertise to the endeavor. He joined Dr. Marroquin, an ophthalmologist from Peten Hospital, in contributing to the eye camp’s success. The eye camp took place at Hospital Privado Universitario de Peten.

The Hospital Privado Universitario de Peten’s role in partnering the cause was commendable and its invaluable in facilitating this eye camp to help the needy and poor people to get essential eye surgeries. The hospital’s commitment to providing comprehensive pre-medical check-ups before surgeries underscores its dedication to patient well-being. Furthermore, the seamless arrangement of essential medical equipment, the setup of advanced microscopes for surgical procedures, and the meticulous logistics coordination within the hospital played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this noble initiative. The hospital’s unwavering support and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in transforming the lives of the patients and fostering community health in the region. Their exceptional contributions to this mission have not only uplifted the quality of healthcare services in Peten but have also become a shining example of humanitarian healthcare efforts.

The Embassy is dedicated to realizing the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi, who aims to make healthcare accessible and affordable, not only for our citizens but for the whole world. These eye camps conducted in collaboration with Eye Foundation of America and CONJUVE in various parts of Guatemala have succeeded in bringing positive changes in the lives of the Guatemalan population. These camps have provided essential health care services, including eye care, to those who lack access to proper medical facilities. The successful execution of these eye camps showcases the Embassy’s dedication to making a substantial impact on the lives of those in need. By organizing these camps in a meticulously planned, phased manner, the Embassy has demonstrated Government of India’s profound dedication to enhancing the vision and quality of life for underprivileged individuals in Peten and surrounding areas. Their proactive approach in partnering with local experts, hospitals, and organizations reflects their steadfast commitment to fostering community well-being and combating eye diseases.

During the visit, the Embassy also organized a visit to a local rural school where preliminary eye checkups were done for more than a hundred students. Similarly, to select patients for future eye camps in the country, the Embassy with the help of local Municipality, Hon’ble Mayor of Flores and Hospital Privado in Peten organized a preliminary eye checkup for the people from the north-east region of Guatemala. Around 200 people participated in the camp.

The Embassy of India and the Eye Foundation of America remain committed in their dedication to collaborating with the local community to combat eye diseases and extend access to high-quality medical care. With a successful completion of eye camp in Peten, Guatemala, the Embassy and its partners are committed to continuing this endeavour in the future. Furthermore, the Embassy is actively engaged in discussions with relevant government authorities to facilitate the provision of artificial limbs to individuals in the local Guatemalan community, with plans for an upcoming camp focused on this essential aspect of healthcare. It is anticipated that this initiative will be organized in the near future.