Hi-tech machine for Retinopathy Centre

To aid in the ­treatment of ­avoidable blindness due to ­diabetic retinopathy, RC Panaji Riviera, RID 3170, has donated an OCT (­optical coherence tomography) machine worth ₹43 lakh to the South Goa ­District ­Hospital, Margao, through a CSR grant from ­Jollyboard Ltd.

The latest addition to the Diabetic Retinopathy Centre at the hospital is a follow-up of the donation of three diagnostic laser machines (₹35 lakh) by the club in partnership with the company in 2023. “Since then, more than 1,000 patients were treated for retinopathy at this centre, and with the latest OCT machine, the facility is complete with all requirements for modern diagnostic care,” said Tanvi Attreya Sawant, club president.

Now this facility has been renamed as Arvind Jolly ­Diabetic Retinopathy Centre in memory of the late founder of Jollyboard. Having the ­retinopathy centre in the heart of the city “will not only transform lives but also ­prevent irreversible ­conditions, fulfilling a critical healthcare need,” she said. On an average, around 400 patients a month are being treated at this facility at the South Goa District Hospital.

Goa minister of social welfare Subhash Phal Desai handed over an improvised ‘food e-kart’ to Gauresh, a ­physically-challenged vendor, as part of the club’s efforts towards inclusive development. While the seed capital for the e-kart was donated by club member Nita Rajani from Bhagwati Trust, the electric vehicle was designed by Agrawal Renewable Energy.

State commissioner for persons with disabilities Guru Prasad Pawaskar, DG ­Sharad Pai, club president Tanvi, PDG Gaurish Dhond, and ­officials from the Bhagwati Trust and Agrawal Renewable Energy were present at the handover event.