Gujarat OKays 18 Advanced Cataract Surgery Machines Worth ₹8.85 Crore for Govt Hospitals

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government on Thursday approved the procurement of 18 advanced phacoemulsification machines worth over ₹8.85 crore for government medical colleges and hospitals across the state to improve cataract surgery services and provide advanced eye care free of cost.

Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya chaired a meeting at which the proposal to procure the machines was approved. The equipment will be distributed among government hospitals and medical colleges to improve the quality of eye care available to patients.

Of the 18 machines, seven will be provided to the M. & J. Institute of Ophthalmology in Ahmedabad, while two each will be allocated to Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, and GMERS Hospital, Morbi.

One machine each will be provided to New Civil Hospital and Old Civil Hospital in Surat, G.G. General Hospital in Jamnagar, ESIC General Hospital in Vadodara, and GMERS institutions in Gandhinagar, Vadnagar and Himatnagar.

Phacoemulsification machines are used in cataract surgery to break up and remove the clouded lens using ultrasound energy. The advanced equipment allows surgeons to precisely control ultrasound energy, vacuum and fluid flow, improving surgical precision and supporting faster patient recovery.

The machines feature elliptical movement technology to facilitate the removal of cataract fragments and a chamber stabilisation system to maintain stable eye pressure during surgery. These technologies help reduce the risk of sudden changes in eye pressure, known as post-occlusion surge, which can occur when fluid flow is interrupted.

The equipment also features a peristaltic pump system to regulate fluid flow and vacuum while removing cataract particles. Its foot-pedal controls allow surgeons to adjust ultrasound energy, vacuum and fluid flow during procedures.

The machines’ Ellips FX handpiece is designed to reduce heat generation near the small incision made during surgery, potentially minimising corneal swelling and other post-operative complications.

The state government aims to strengthen eye care facilities at public hospitals and medical colleges, enabling patients to access advanced cataract surgery services free of cost. DeshGujarat