The Health City Project here will get a shot in the arm with LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) coming forward to set up a world-class eye research and training centre with a total investment of Rs.100 crores.
LVPEI chairman G.N. Rao and others recently met Chief Minister K. Rosaiah and sought 10 acres adjoining LVPEI located in Health City for the prestigious project. Highly-placed sources told The Hindu that the Chief Minister evinced keen interest in the project.
LVPEI in the city is located in GMR Varalakshmi campus on an area of five acres – the first project to come up in the Health City. Visakhapatnam Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) is being set up on the lines of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences. Apollo, CARE and other corporate hospitals are also setting up ultra-modern units in the Health City so as to promote medical tourism.
The proposed world-class education centre for eye care in the city is expected to meet the requirement for well-trained human resources in eye care.
Though eye-related ailments are increasing in the country at alarming proportions, India does not have an internationally acclaimed institute for eye research and training.
LVPEI plans to provide training for ophthalmic professionals as well as paramedical and administrative personnel so as to prevent occurrence of several eye disorders. The research centre will have tie up with leading international institutes. It will also have student and faculty exchange programmes for creation of better knowledge workers.
The proposed unit will have all infrastructure required for teaching clinics, lecture halls, auditorium with high-end audio-visual linkage, labs for training in diagnostic and surgical technicians.
