Minto Hospital and Ophthalmic Institute, the ophthalmology major in the government sector has received a funding of Rs 1.6 crore from the State for the construction of the special centenary block of the Hospital. The eight storied complex has special wards and a conference and auditorium for faculty and doctors.

The 300-bed hospital has four operation theatres for retina, cataract and other disorders. It has the capacity to handle over 400 patients. Now the new building will further augment the treatment options for the patients which includes retinopathy, corneal transplant, glaucoma, paediatric ophthalmology and squint.

The 105-year-old hospital in the State which is housed in a heritage structure requires another Rs. 21 lakh for maintenance and repair work of the old building, stated Dr. Sri Prakash, superintend, Minto Hospital .

The hospital is also a regional institute of ophthalmology which has been selected to conduct state and central government funded eye research programmes. It also has been short listed for the research programmes mainly because it is an Apex body for Ophthalmology and a Centre for Excellence in eye care for many of the neighbouring states in the country which allows its team of ophthalmologists to interact and treat a wide variety of eye disorders and diseases.

The hospital is also a centre for Ophthalmology clinical trials. The large number of patients and the variety of disorders make it among the best suited facilities for drug analysis.