In India, approximately 40 million people, including 1.6 million children, suffer from blindness or severe visual impairment, representing 20% of the world’s blind population. At LEPRA Society’s Mahanadi Netra Chikitsalaya (MNC), we are dedicated to changing this statistic by providing equitable, high-quality eye care to everyone, especially those affected by leprosy and other marginalized communities.
Mahanadi Netra Chikitsalaya (MNC) was established in 2003 with the vision of delivering high-quality, accessible, and affordable eye care to the underserved populations of Western Odisha. Founded as a small eye hospital in Sonepur, MNC rapidly expanded in response to the significant need for comprehensive eye care services in the region. Today, MNC operates as a 30-bedded, secondary-level eye care facility in Birmaharajpur, renowned for its commitment to quality and patient-centered care. Over the past two decades, MNC has transformed the lives of over 443,449 patients through extensive collaborations with Sightsavers India and local community organizations.
The inception of eye care services at LEPRA was rooted in the urgent need to address the neglect faced by leprosy-affected individuals, who were often denied eye care due to stigma and the reluctance of healthcare providers. Initially focused on serving leprosy-affected persons, MNC gradually extended its services to meet the growing demand from the general population, working in collaboration with government and like-minded agencies. As an ISO-certified and NABH-accredited institution, MNC has grown into a preferred eye care provider in Western Odisha, consistently adhering to the highest standards of care.
Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment, MNC offers a wide range of services, including cataract surgeries, glaucoma treatment, low vision services, and specialized procedures such as DCT, DCR, and squint surgeries. The hospital’s highly qualified team of ophthalmologists and support staff are dedicated to delivering the best possible care. Beyond in-house services, MNC extends its reach through community outreach camps, school screening programs, and Vision Centres, ensuring even the most remote communities have access to essential eye care.
MNC’s dedication to excellence is reflected in its numerous accolades and its ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery through continuous staff training, quality monitoring, and innovative outreach strategies. By consistently upholding the highest standards of care, MNC not only addresses the immediate eye care needs of its patients but also contributes to the broader goal of eliminating avoidable blindness in the region.
As a recognized partner in the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) and a member of the VISION 2020 forum in India, LEPRA is committed to preventing blindness in Odisha, particularly in the underserved districts of Western Odisha. Through its base hospital and extension services, MNC continues to make significant strides in improving eye health and accessibility for all.
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