The 60-member Vapi Udyog Nagar Lions Club, District 3232-F2, celebrated its golden jubilee with the inauguration of the renovated Lions Eye Hospital at Vapi. The hospital was formally opened by International President A. P. Singh on the first day of his tenure, in the presence of International Directors Ramesh Prajapati and Pankaj Mehta, PID Sangeeta Jatia, District Governor Mona Desai, and other Lions leaders of MD 3232.
The idea of an eye hospital in Vapi was born years ago during a club board meeting. “A member highlighted the urgent need of a facility for patients from nearby tribal areas and villages like Bhilad and Umargam who had to travel to Surat for treatment,” recalls PDG P. D. Khedekar, who led the project. The board unanimously agreed to take it forward with the support of an LCIF grant.
The Lions Eye Hospital was first inaugurated in 2006 by PIP Ashok Mehta, on land measuring 2,500 square metres donated by Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). The infrastructure was developed with LCIF grant under the mentorship of PDG Jamshed Doiwala.
The newly renovated hospital, again supported by LCIF, now has three OPDs and an impressive team that includes an ophthalmologist, a cornea and pediatric specialist, five visiting diabetic retinopathy experts from Mumbai, a glaucoma specialist, and five optometrists.
On average, 60 patients are treated daily, and to date, 8,810 surgeries have been performed. Operating expenses are met through the trust’s funds, with support from the Government District Blindness Control Centre and private donors.
“Timeless effort and dedicated planning ensure the success of our projects,” says Managing Trustee Mukesh Desai, applauding the commitment of the members.
“Timeless effort and dedicated planning ensure the success of our projects,” says Managing Trustee Mukesh Desai, applauding the commitment of the members.
Building Blocks of Community Service
In addition to the hospital, the club’s Trust manages:
- Upasna Lions English Medium School
- GIDC Lions Shrimati Puriben Popat Lakha Blood Centre
- Lions Pathology Lab
- Lion M. P. Desai Community Hall
- Lions Eye Hospital with two satellite Vision Centres.