TGSRTC to transport donor corneas free of cost under ‘Network to Sight’

Hyderabad: Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has launched a new initiative to transport donor corneas free of cost across the state under the “Network to Sight” program. The service will ensure timely delivery of donated corneas to Hyderabad for use in eye surgeries.

TGSRTC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital at Mehdipatnam to formalise the partnership. Managing Director V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, and Hospital Superintendent Dr. Modini signed the agreement during a brief ceremony at the hospital.

Under this program, government hospitals will place collected corneas in ice boxes and hand them over at TGSRTC logistics counters. Bus crews will then carry the boxes to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital staff will collect and store them at the Eye Bank.

TGSRTC to transport donor corneas under MoU with Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital

Speaking at the event, Sajjanar described the initiative as a noble cause. He said TGSRTC was proud to contribute to eye donation and had launched internal awareness campaigns under the new program. According to him, over three lakh people in India wait for corneal transplants each year, yet only 18,000 surgeries are completed. “Eye donation is the greatest gift. It gives vision after death,” he said. He also urged the public to pledge their eyes for donation.

Dr. Modini thanked TGSRTC for offering free transport services. She assured that the hospital team would use the donated corneas to help restore sight to patients in need.

To lead by example, Sajjanar pledged to donate his eyes and handed over his pledge form to Dr. Modini. During the event, TGSRTC also distributed ice boxes to superintendents of various government hospitals for safe storage and transit of corneas.

Additionally, the event honoured coordinators from the Jeevandan program for their efforts in promoting organ and eye donation.

Medical professionals present included Dr. Rajarao, Principal of Osmania Medical College; Dr. Kalavathi, Joint Director of the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB); and Dr. Sangeeta, Superintendent of Siddipet Government Hospital.