Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 27: Amid a persistent shortage of organ donors in Kashmir and a long waiting list of patients awaiting transplants, SKIMS Medical College & Hospital (MCH), Bemina, has performed its first two corneal transplant surgeries, facilitated through tie-ups outside J&K.
The surgeries that restored sight to two previously blind individuals were conducted by the Postgraduate Department of Ophthalmology at MCH following the formal grant of a Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA) license, which authorizes the hospital to regularly perform corneal transplants.
Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Sajad Ahmad, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, led the team of specialists in executing the complex procedures – a milestone in the hospital’s ophthalmic care services.
Speaking with ‘Excelsior’, Dr. Sheikh Sajad said although the authorization had been secured a few months ago, the hospital had to wait for the formal documentation before initiating corneal transplant surgeries.
“This achievement marks a new era in eye care at our institution and brings hope to patients suffering from corneal blindness,” he said.
However, the HoD highlighted a major challenge-the shortage of cornea donors in Kashmir and a long waiting list of patients in need of transplants.
“There is a dearth of donors. Many people need corneal transplants, but very few come forward to donate,” he said, adding that this gap is a major hurdle in expanding such surgeries.
Dr. Sajad highlighted that many individuals are on a waiting list, suffering from corneal blindness, and are hopeful of regaining their eyesight through transplantation.
“At present, we have tie-ups with centers outside J&K to procure corneas. Although an eye bank has been set up at GMC, the lack of local donors makes its impact scarce,” he added.
He further said that the department plans to expand collaborations outside the UT to secure more corneas, which would enable the hospital to scale up these life-changing surgeries.
“There is a need for a sustained awareness campaign to educate people about the importance of organ donation. More importantly, our own community should come forward and pledge their organs after death so that others can benefit.”
Commending the achievement, Prof. (Dr.) Fazal Q. Parray, Principal of SKIMS MCH, called it a “remarkable accomplishment” that will significantly help underprivileged patients requiring advanced eye care.
Notably, the corneal transplantation services officially began on June 26, 2025, under of Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Sajad Ahmad, with active support from Prof. (Dr.) Imtiyaz Ahmad, Dr. Nusrat Shaheen, and Dr. Wasim Rashid.
Pertinent to mention, SKIMS MCH is the only Government hospital in J&K offering free collagen cross-linking treatment for keratoconus, a critical service aimed at halting the progression of the disease.
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